The team failed to improve on their 9–7 record from 1996 and finished 8–7–1, knocking them out of playoff contention for the fifth straight year.
In an infamous game with the New York Giants on November 23, 1997, quarterback Gus Frerotte sprained his neck by ramming his head into a padded cement wall during a touchdown celebration and missed the rest of the game.
Jeff Hostetler would throw three interceptions and lose a fumble in relief, with three of those turnovers occurring in overtime that was capped off with a potential game-winning 54-yard field goal by Scott Blanton being shanked wide right.
They finished the season with eight wins while two of the Wild Card team went in with 9–7 records.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve 53 active, 5 inactive, 4 practice squad