The NFL’s Biggest Disappointments of 2024 season has produced its share of shocking underperformers, from former MVP candidates to projected playoff contenders now sitting at the bottom of standings. In this 2,600-word in-depth analysis, we examine the most glaring disappointments through Week 11, identifying what went wrong, whether rebounds are possible, and the long-term implications for each player and franchise.
The Disappointment Index: Measuring Underperformance
Evaluation Criteria
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Expectation vs. Reality Gap (Based on preseason projections)
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Statistical Regression (Key metric declines)
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Team Impact (Win probability affected)
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Contract Value (Performance vs. salary cap hit)
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1. QB Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
The Underperformance
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Passer Rating: 93.1 (Down from 105.5 career)
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TD%: 3.8 (Career low)
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3-7 team record
Root Causes
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Kellen Moore’s departure: New system growing pains
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O-line injuries: 38 sacks allowed (3rd most)
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Receiver drops: 18 (T-2nd in NFL)
Critical Stat: 1-5 in one-score games (Was 14-8 previously)
2. The Entire Cincinnati Bengals Organization
Catastrophic Decline
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2023: AFC North Champs
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2024: 2-8 record
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Points Differential: -98 (31st)
Systemic Failures
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Joe Burrow’s health: Never recovered from 2023 injury
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Defensive collapse: Allowing 29.1 PPG
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Draft whiffs: 2022-23 classes contributing little
Historical Context: Worst defending conference champ since 2015 Panthers
More AFC North coverage at NFL Newsz
3. WR Garrett Wilson (New York Jets)
Production Plummet
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2023: 95 catches, 1,042 yards
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2024 Pace: 68 catches, 814 yards
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TDs: 1 through 10 games
Contributing Factors
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QB carousel: 3 starters already
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Route limitations: 87% from slot (predictable)
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Double teams: Facing bracket coverage 38% of snaps
Position-by-Position Letdowns
Offensive Struggles
| Player | Team | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| RB Bijan Robinson | ATL | 3.9 YPC (Arthur Smith misuse) |
| TE Kyle Pitts | ATL | 11.1 YPR (Career low) |
| OT Mekhi Becton | PHI | 7 sacks allowed (T-most) |
Defensive Regressions
| Player | Team | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| EDGE Aidan Hutchinson | DET | 4 sacks (After 11.5 in 2023) |
| CB Patrick Surtain II | DEN | 0 INTs, 112.3 QB rating against |
| LB Roquan Smith | BAL | Missed tackle rate up 63% |
Coaching Failures Amplifying Problems
Worst Schematic Fits
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Arthur Smith (ATL): Still can’t utilize Pitts/Robinson
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Matt Eberflus (CHI): Wasted Caleb Williams’ rookie year
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Dennis Allen (NO): Offense stuck in 1990s
Development Failures
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Kenny Pickett (PIT): Zero progress in Year 3
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Jahan Dotson (WAS): Route tree actually shrinking
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Kadarius Toney (KC): Drops up to 18% of targets
Statistical Anomalies That Defy Explanation
Most Baffling Regressions
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Eagles’ Tush Push: 56% success rate (Down from 92%)
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Chiefs’ Red Zone O: 41% (32nd after 1st in 2023)
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49ers’ Play-Action: 5.2 YPA (Down from 9.7)
Fantasy Football Fallout
Biggest Busts Relative to ADP
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Ja’Marr Chase (CIN): WR24 in PPG
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Tony Pollard (TEN): RB38 in PPR
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Darren Waller (NYG): TE28 before injury
Cut Candidates
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Skyy Moore (KC): <10% route participation
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Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN): 2.3 targets/game
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Javonte Williams (DEN): 3.6 YPC
Historical Context: Worst Single-Season Declines
Modern NFL Comparisons
| Player/Team | Year | Fall From Grace |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ravens | 5-11 | After 10-6 playoff year |
| 2017 Giants | 3-13 | After 11-5 playoff win |
| 2024 Bengals | ? | Projected 4-13 |
Potential Second-Half Turnarounds
Most Likely Rebound Candidates
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Justin Herbert: Schedule eases (NYJ, NE, DEN)
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Eagles’ O-line: Lane Johnson returning
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Garrett Wilson: Aaron Rodgers’ impending return
Lost Causes
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Bengals’ season: Burrow’s wrist done
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Kadarius Toney: Chiefs moving on
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Kenny Pickett: Steelers eyeing 2025 QBs
Long-Term Implications
Franchise-Altering Consequences
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Bengals: Potential Tee Higgins trade coming
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Chargers: Jim Harbaugh rumors growing
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Falcons: Blank may clean house entirely
Career Crossroads
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Derek Carr (NO): Likely final season as starter
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Dalvin Cook (BAL): Washed at 29?
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Chase Young (SF): Playing for 5th team in 2025?
Read More: NFL’s Most Underrated Free Agent Signings of 2024: The Bargains Transforming Contenders
Final Verdict: What These Disappointments Reveal
The 2024 letdown class demonstrates NFL’s Biggest Disappointments of 2024:
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QB health remains the NFL’s ultimate variable
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Scheme fits matter more than raw talent
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The margin between contender and bust is razor thin
As one AFC exec admitted: “We’re all just one injury away from the basement.”
Track NFL risers and fallers at NFL Newsz
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