Every NFL team’s worst play of the 2025 season

As per usual, there were some all-time plays made in this past NFL year. Balancing out those memorable plays were of course some truly awful mistakes. While this season didn’t reach the level of last year’s Will Levis bonanza, it still had its fair share of mind-numbing blunders that shaped the entirety of 2025 as a whole. Today, we’re going to dive into those mind-numbing plays for every team and see what ripple effects they had on the year.

Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson’s fumbled interception against the Titans

Arizona probably has about three plays from this game that could make the cut. Kyler Murray’s botched snap which hit him in the face and injured him is an option. Or maybe Emari Demercado’s fumble prior to crossing the goal-line is the better option. What stands among the others in this disastrous game for Arizona is the interception fumbled for a touchdown. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson had the ball in his hands, and instead of celebrating a turnover, he watched in agony as his fumbled ball was recovered by Tyler Lockett in the endzone for a score.

Atlanta Falcons: Parker Romo’s missed PAT against the Patriots

A high octane affair with plenty of back and forth was eventually decided by a missed extra point attempt. Parker Romo was picked up after Atlanta shipped off long-time kicker Younghoe Koo. With his new team, Romo was on the money on PATs. This time though, after Michael Penix scored his third TD against New England’s ferocious defense to tie the match, in the final five minutes of the last quarter, Romo was wide right. Would the Falcons have stopped a potential game-winning drive orchestrated by Drake Maye? Yes! They did actually, forcing a quick three-and-out. However, Zac Robinson’s offense failed to go down the field, and eventually folded. Going into overtime, Atlanta may have fared better. Nevertheless, Romo’s miss robbed them of that opportunity.

Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Loop’s missed kick against the Steelers

For two years in a row, the Ravens ended their season with a horrible miscue that’ll haunt them forever. Against a bitter division rival with the season on the line, the game comes down to one fateful kick. With the shadow of Justin Tucker looming over him, the pressure was too much for Tyler Loop to handle, and he missed the kick. Of course, Baltimore would probably only be delaying the inevitable by winning the game. Still, losing the division and a chance at an underdog run with a healthy Lamar Jackson stings.

Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s lateral fumble against the Broncos

Among Allen’s four turnovers in this match, his pointless backwards lateral prior to halftime is the most egregious. In a contest where every point counts, Allen was desperate to keep the play alive during a situation where he didn’t need to, and fumbled the ball while trying to lateral it to a teammate. The result was a three point gift to the Broncos, in the midst of a game where the Bills ironically lost by just three points. It was a mistake rookie Josh Allen would make, and it cost Buffalo a playoff run in a wide open AFC.

Carolina Panthers: Flea Flicker against the Buccaneers

At the 20 yard line, in the elements, during a close game, Dave Canales called a flea flicker. Though the Panthers were lucky this game didn’t completely derail their playoff hopes, this play stands out as a potential season ender. Rico Dowdle had already slipped and fallen a few times on his regular carries due to the wet condition of the field. Carolina decided to counter those struggles by forcing Dowdle to secure the handoff, set his feet, turn around and pitch the ball back to Bryce Young. It’s an oblivious play call in a high stakes situation, which lost the team the game.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams’ Interception against the Rams

In overtime, in a situation where any score wins the game, the offense turns over the ball. You can debate all you want over who’s fault this INT was. DJ Moore’s lack of effort all year culminated in a season ending play like this, or maybe Williams should have gone somewhere else with the ball. Doesn’t matter, with the momentum in Chicago’s favor, they blew it, ending one of the best seasons in the franchise’s recent history.

Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow’s interception returned for a TD against the Bills

Somehow, some way, the Bengals still had a chance at making the postseason. On the back of Joe Flacco leading the charge at backup and the rest of the AFC North sniffing glue, Cincinnati had a chance at surviving the Joe Burrow injury. Christian Benford tore those fleeting hopes of a playoff berth to shreds. He reached up top and snagged a short pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase before taking it all the way to the house. Given Buffalo’s shortcomings on defense, there’s a reality where Cincinnati takes home the win if Benford doesn’t make the game’s biggest play.

Cleveland Browns: Failed 2 point conversion attempt against the Titans

In a crucial moment of the game, rather than putting the ball in the hands of the QB, Cleveland opted to call a trick play out of wildcat. While the idea of a wildcat play on a 2 point try doesn’t sound all too bad, the execution and play itself were insufficient. After Judkins got the ball, he seemed confused regarding his task of either keeping the ball or pitching it to his teammate who was motioning towards the opposite side of the field. Then, he started playing backyard football and just ran around before throwing a jump ball that got nearly intercepted. It was an unorthodox play that sort of epitomizes Cleveland’s season as a whole.

Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott’s interception against the Bears

Given how outright abysmal Dallas’ defense was this year, the myriad of mistakes they made sort of blend into each other. Simultaneously, a terrible play such as this one sticks out like a sore thumb for an offense that was firing on all cylinders throughout the year. This game was already over at this point, but Dallas may have had a chance if they converted on fourth down in the red zone. Prescott had pressure right up his face, and he heaved the ball across his body straight to Tremaine Edmunds.

Denver Broncos: Jarrett Stidham’s fumble against the Patriots

With a Super Bowl berth on the line, Denver’s defense had locked New England’s offense up. This play though immediately put the Patriots in the red zone, and allowed them to put up an easy 7 points. All Jarrett Stidham had to do was keep the ball’s out of harm’s way. Instead, he tried to keep the play alive, and subsequently killed his team.

Detroit Lions: Jared Goff’s fumble against the Vikings

Losing to Max Brosmer hurts. It especially hurts when your defense held Brosmer and the Vikings offense to three net passing yards. Unfortunately, the offensive line decided not to show up. They were beat particularly bad on this play. Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel completely sandwiched Goff, forcing one of three fumbles on the night.

Green Bay Packers: Romeo Doubs’ fumbled onside kick against the Bears

Green Bay’s final two games against their hated rivals in Chicago were filled to the brim with nightmare scenarios. Before losing in the playoffs though, the Packers choked away victory against the Bears during their second meeting of the regular season. After Chicago mounted a scoring drive, they lined up to execute an onside kick, in hopes to take the match into overtime. Then, after what seemed like the game was in the books thanks to Romeo Doubs recovering the ball, he fumbled it.

Houston Texans: CJ Stroud’s INT to Marcus Jones against the Patriots

Take your pick for which CJ Stroud turnover should be the choice here. Houston’s offense failed an all-time defense this year. While Will Anderson and Co. took over and eliminated Drake Maye from the equation, CJ Stroud was missing throws and making some terrible decisions. His second interception that caused a seven point swing is what takes the cake. Simply taking the sack instead of flicking the ball in the air would have been enough.

Indianapolis Colts: Adonai Mitchell’s fumble before crossing the goal line against the Rams

This game is what made Adonai Mitchell a jet. Not only was he at fault for a holding penalty which wiped away a massive Jonathan Taylor run, he completely fumbled the game away for his team. With the opportunity to score a lead-taking touchdown, Mitchell dropped the ball prior to crossing the goal line and forced a touchback. It’s puzzling to see this mistake still made every so often, especially in a close contest like this.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Allowing Davis Mills to scramble for a touchdown

Jacksonville’s path to the first seed was crushed by a Houston team without their starting QB. Though Davis Mills is a very capable backup in his own right, allowing him to scramble his way on fourth down 14 yards for paydirt is unacceptable. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back and put a bow on a 19 point collapse by the Jaguars.

Kansas City Chiefs: Allowing Trevor Lawrence to scramble for a touchdown

Having the opposing team’s quarterback fall over should be easy pickings. It should be especially easy to secure the victory when he quickly tries to get up but tumbles again. For that quarterback to not only regain his footing but also rumble and lunge his way into the endzone for the win is the kind of play that ruins a season. The strange thing is, Chris Jones, who’s the team’s pillar on defense, seemed to be uninterested with even trying to stop Trevor Lawrence. He had a clear path, and yet stood and watched as Lawrence scored the game winner.

Las Vegas Raiders

Trying to find the worst play for the Raiders is like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, among Geno Smith’s league-leading 17 interceptions, this is different because of how the rest of the match unfolded. The Raiders had a chance at completing the upset, against the NFL’s #1 defense. Of course, in hindsight, perhaps it’s best that they lost here in order to secure the first overall pick. Still, beating Houston would’ve felt good.

Los Angeles Chargers: Oronde Gadsden’s dropped pass interception against the Texans

Sure, LA’s playoff game against New England had some stinkers which may have been the worst for the team. However, there’s a chance that the Chargers aren’t even in that position to begin with if they win this match. Justin Herbert was a one man army against Houston’s elite swarm. While his receivers dropped passes and linemen dropped to the floor, he extended plays and threw dimes. Those aforementioned drops did cause the game to run off track. Oronde Gadsden would have already secured the first down and maybe even gone in for six had he hauled in the pass. He didn’t, and as the ball flew into the air it fell into the hands of Azeez Al-Shaair for a huge turnover.

Los Angeles Rams: Xavier Smith’s muffed punt against the Seahawks

A special teams play for the Rams? Who would have guessed? LA’s inability to field a proper unit on that side of the ball proved costly. Xavier Smith was set to initiate a new Rams drive in this heavyweight NFC championship bout. However, he lost track of the ball when back pedaling and let it fall through his hands. What came next was a quick score to Jake Bobo that kept the lead in Seattle’s hands for the remainder of the match.

Miami Dolphins: Allowing Ladd McConkey to gain 42 yards on one play

First, Miami allowed Justin Herbert to step up in the pocket. Then, Jaelan Phillips failed to bring Herbert down. After that, the defense let him find a wide open McConkey. Next, Dante Trader was fooled by McConkey’s moves and missed a tackle. Finally, it culminated with a 43 yard sprint where Cameron Dicker was set up to make the game winning kick. It was a complete collapse in the final seconds of the game and a situation where the Dolphins snatched a loss from the jaws of victory.

Minnesota Vikings: Max Brosmer’s throwaway pick six against the Seahawks

Forcing Brosmer to suit up for his first career start against the Seahawks dark side defense was trial by fire. The UDFA predictably failed to leave an impact, and had an abysmal statline with four interceptions. He kickstarted his turnover frenzy with a desperate play in the red zone. With Demarcus Lawrence wrestling him to the ground, he attempted to give his receiver a shot on fourth down. While the thought is nice, the result was far more damaging than a turnover on downs. He heaved the ball to Ernest Jones and gave the Seahawks a 10 point lead.

New England Patriots: Drake Maye’s interception against the Seahawks

“Ummmm I’ve got nothing for you here” is what Chris Collinsworth said after Drake Maye threw this disastrous pass. With every play being do-or-die for New England’s chances at a comeback, Maye was mounting himself a respectable drive. Then, while stepping up, he threw a wildly inaccurate ball into triple coverage which all but sealed the Lombardi for Seattle.

New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler’s pick six against the Buccaneers

This right here is one of those plays where you just feel bad for a guy. Spencer Rattler started the season by playing some overall decent football, and even had a few highlight reel throws. This wasn’t one of them. His pass was tipped and caught by Tampa Bay’s Anthony Nelson, who proceeded to truck Rattler and score the touchdown.

New York Giants: Allowing Tank Bigsby to convert on second and 31

The G-men saw their heaps of talent on defense go to waste all season. This play in particular encapsulates the failures of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. After a huge sack forced Philadelphia into 2nd and 31, the Eagles called a simple draw play. What was intended to simply make for a manageable third and long scenario actually gifted the team a first down. Tank Bigsby broke a tackle and sprinted for the yardage necessary to move the chains, as the Giants failed to capitalize during a game that was still within reach.

New York Jets: Justin Fields’ ninth sack against the Broncos

Perhaps the entire Jets season would be an appropriate selection. Alas, only one play must be decided. In London, New York’s offensive line struggled mightily at keeping their signal-caller upright. Granted, Denver’s d-line is one of the best in the game. Regardless, allowing nine sacks is a nightmare scenario. The game ended fittingly for New York, as on fourth and 8, Fields held onto to the ball and was promptly brought to the ground.

Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts’ two turnovers on the same play against the Chargers

Making NFL history, Jalen Hurts became the first player to commit two turnovers on the same play since 1978. What was initially a bad throw intercepted by Da’Shawn Hand then became a fumble drill. After Hurts grabbed the ball that was supposed to be the Chargers’, he failed to grasp it and then logged a fumble himself. It was a strange play that seemed doomed from the start, and was a key reason as to why Philadelphia lost this match.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson’s kickoff blunder against the Seahawks

It’s not often that you see a team kick for a touchdown. Rookie Kaleb Johnson was ready to bring out a punt which would kickstart a key Steelers drive in the fourth quarter. He failed to secure the ball, and after touching it let it roll into the end zone. This then lost the Steelers the game and kept Johnson on the bench for most of the season.

San Francisco 49ers: Allowing Kenneth Walker to convert on third and 17

During their first blowout loss against Seattle, the 49ers saw some of their biggest flaws highlighted. One of those weaknesses was the lack of run defense. Their lackluster ability to play against the run was seen when the Seahawks converted on a big third and 17. What was simply the offense waving the white flag on the drive then turned into three more points on the board, which in this contest was insurmountable.

Seattle Seahawks: Riq Woolen’s penalty against the Rams

It’s hard for any play to be considered truly bad when you win the Super Bowl. However, this sequence by Riq Woolen would’ve been an all-time lowlight had the Seahawks not won. After a third down stop, Woolen decided to speak his mind. His behavior amounted to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that kept LA’s drive alive. What makes matters worse is that Woolen promptly made another big time mistake, getting burnt and allowing Puka Nacua to haul in a big time touchdown grab.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Allowing Kirk Cousins to convert on fourth and 14

During this Thursday night thriller, in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Kirk Cousins was forced into 3rd and 28. On third down, he was able to find Kyle Pitts who capped off his monster game with a 14 yard chunk gain, still leaving another 14 yards before reaching the first down line. Cousins dropped back, and threw it to David Sills for a massive conversion. It’s plays like these at key points in a game that lost the Bucs the division.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward’s fumble against the Patriots

For the Titans, the silver lining from this past year is that Cam Ward survived and showed some great flashes. Unfortunately, he had a few ridiculous play that harkened back to Will Levis’ 2024 shenanigans. Right here, when down just 10, Ward rolled out and was pressured by K’Lavon Chaisson. Before even getting touched by Chaisson, the ball slipped from his hand as his arm was loading up a pass. He was then slammed to the ground, and he watched as Chaisson scored a touchdown off of his mistake.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels’ pick six against the Vikings

Don’t throw a screen Andrew Van Ginkel’s way. Already down 14 points in the third, Dan Quinn made the decision to go for it on fourth down. The play call led to the ball falling into Van Ginkel’s hands, and largened the deficit to 21 points. The rotten cherry on top of this melted sundae is that Jayden Daniels sustained his season ending injury when trying to bring down Van Ginkel. The tackle attempt was noble, but it was the final nail in the coffin for a disastrous season in Washington.