As the NFL season enters Week 12, competitors are separating themselves from their rivals. And now that we’re more than halfway through the season, it’s clear that the team that opened the year with high expectations will go down as one of the most disappointing teams of 2024.
Here are the most disappointing teams in the NFL.
new york jets
Current record: 3-8
It’s impossible to talk about NFL disappointments without mentioning the New York Jets. After riding an upward trend just two years ago and blaming Aaron Rodgers’ season-long injury for their 2023 problems, the Jets entered 2024 hoping to make a championship run once again.
Unfortunately for Jets fans, decades of hardship have begun again and New York’s season will likely go down as one of the most disappointing in NFL history. Rodgers struggled for consistency and both Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas were sacked. Added Devante Adams It’s been a waste so far.
Overall, the jet is now A far cry from the playoffs. Even before shaking things up to bring in a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
Can we change the situation?
The Jets had a couple of games against the left Dolphins, and a win allowed them to solidify their position in the division and set up a showdown with the lowly Jaguars. But the Jets proved they can lose to anyone. They should consider shutting down Rodgers at this point as there is little chance he will return, but no matter what they do, this season has already gone too far.
Projected final record: 5-12
dallas cowboys
Current record: 3-7
Based on the brand name alone, Cowboy is always expected to be a contender. And to be fair, Dallas has three straight 12-win seasons before 2024.
But this year has been a complete disaster. Dak Prescott threw eight interceptions in eight games before suffering a season-ending injury, Ezekiel Elliot’s return was punctuated by drama and the defense was a shell of its former self.
With one of the league’s marquee franchises looking to return to glory at some point in the future, it’s safe to say Jerry Jones will now have to move on from Mike McCarthy and make another change at head coach.
Can we change the situation?
Despite all his playoff failures, Prescott is generally solid during the regular season and could pull Dallas out of this hole if he doesn’t miss out with injury. With Prescott watching from the owner’s suite, the Cowboys won’t be able to do enough with their poor running game to help them.
Projected final record: 5-12
cincinnati bengals
Current record: 4-7
The 2023 Bengals made excuses for not having Joe Burrow for a large portion of the season. But Burrow’s return and strong play didn’t help Cincinnati win a game this year.
In fact, Burrow put up numbers that would be considered MVP by a contending team, including 3,028 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Cincinnati’s defense crushed the offense, resulting in one devastating loss after another.
And to picture what Bengals fans have had to endure, six of Cincinnati’s losses have been by one point.
Can we change the situation?
The Bengals could easily be 7-4 or better, so it’s hard to discount them entirely. It’s unlikely that the Steelers and Ravens will mess up enough to let Cincinnati out of the AFC North race, but if they can cut down on their mistakes at the end of games, the Bengals could become a dangerous team that no one wants to keep playing.
The Bengals still have the talent to turn things around, but they are too far behind to make the playoffs. Adding some defensive help will get Cincinnati back into contention next season.
Projected final record: 8-9
chicago bears
Current record: 4-6
While the previously mentioned teams will likely be on everyone’s list, the following teams may be up for debate. Some may argue that the 49ers have underperformed since their Super Bowl appearance, but most of their problems have been due to injuries. Others could have mentioned the Browns, but most could see the Deshaun Watson fiasco coming a mile away.
The Bears have begun the 2024 season. with great hope After drafting Caleb Williams, many argued that the quarterback had more natural talent than any other quarterback in franchise history. They also felt they needed to put weapons around them and make some noise in the open NFC North, even if they were still a year away from actually being a major threat.
Despite his flashy form, Williams has yet to produce consistently and the Bears currently sit near the bottom of the division.
Can we change the situation?
It’s not necessarily important for the Bears to fight for a return to the playoffs this season, but it would be nice for Williams and company to show fans that the future is bright with continued improvement.
If Chicago continues to build around Williams, they will have to contend for years to come. The biggest problem is that the Lions, Packers, and Vikings likely aren’t going anywhere either.
Projected final record: 7-10
