The loser’s mentality
I’m nervous but cautiously optimistic. Since becoming a diehard Browns fan three years ago, I’ve never been this close to a perfect season. If it happens, the 25-year run of the Loser Bowl might finally end, because really, what could top this?
John Kuntz / cleveland.com
I’m nervous but cautiously optimistic.
Since becoming a diehard Browns fan three years ago, I’ve never been this close to a perfect season. If it happens, the 25-year run of the Loser Bowl might finally end, because really, what could top this?
Dave and I have been picking the team that will suck more since the early 90s, proudly rooting for fumbles over field goals, penalties over first downs, and interceptions over touchdowns. You didn’t have to be the worst, just worse than the other guy’s pick. The tiebreaker was turnovers.
Winners, meaning losers, took home prizes. I’ve got a Jags fleece, and Dave once sported a Dolphins stop sign and a Bengals poncho. My all-time favorite team used to be the 2001 Chris Weinke Panthers, who dropped 15 straight after winning their opener. A fourth-quarter come-from-ahead loss to Washington that year still gives me chills.
But these Browns have redefined losing. Since 1999, they’ve hit double-digit losses in nearly every season. Johnny Manziel sealed my confidence. His Hall of Shame focus and epic meltdowns proved Cleveland was ready to claim dynasty status in the Loser Bowl era.
Loserball year 2
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for — Loserball is back. After celebrating team-level catastrophes last season, we’re cranking things up with new team and player categories.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for — Loserball is back. After celebrating team-level catastrophes last season, we’re cranking things up with new team and player categories.
If you’re new here, Loserball turns fantasy football upside down. Touchdowns are bad. Drive-killing penalties are great. A.J. Brown’s one catch for eight yards? Absolute gold.
This year we’ve partnered with Sparket to bring you the next generation of Loserball contests. The best part? It’s free to play — no financial commitment required. Oh, and there are weekly cash prizes and chances to win jerseys too.
Week 1 Preview
Six categories. One leaderboard. Here’s a quick look at what’s ahead:
Most Quarterback Turnovers:
Daniel Jones remains a fumble favorite, Joe Flacco is turnover royalty, and rookie Cam Ward might just add his name to the Loserball hall of shame in his Titans debut.
Most Missed Kicks:
Jake Moody, Dustin Hopkins, and Younghoe Koo headline the “clanging kickers” contest. Remember — good offenses mean more attempts, and more attempts mean more misses.
Most Points Allowed (Defense):
The Panthers still look generous, but matchups like Houston vs. Rams and Cleveland vs. Bengals could be gold mines for points allowed.
Get in the Game
You can’t win if you don’t play. Join now for free and root for chaos every Sunday. In Loserball, when things go wrong on the field, they go right for you in the standings.
Follow @playloserball on Twitter and Instagram, and visit playloserball.com to join the movement.