The NFL’s Most Disappointing Teams 2024 season has been particularly brutal for several teams that entered the year with Super Bowl aspirations, only to collapse under the weight of injuries, poor coaching, and failed personnel decisions. These franchises aren’t just losing – they’re failing spectacularly despite loaded rosters and high expectations, leaving fans furious and front offices scrambling for answers.
In this 2,600-word investigative report, we examine:
✔ The 5 most disastrous underperforming teams
✔ What went wrong (and who’s to blame)
✔ Statistical evidence of their regression
✔ Potential offseason shakeups coming
✔ How these collapses will reshape future drafts
The Bottom Five: 2024’s Biggest Letdowns
1. New York Jets – The $200 Million Disaster
Preseason Hype: Super Bowl favorites after Rodgers trade
Current Reality: 5-9, eliminated from contention
What Collapsed:
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Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury on 4th snap
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Offensive line allowing 45 sacks (3rd most)
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Zach Wilson regressed further (55.3 rating)
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NFL News sources report locker room fractures
Fallout Coming: Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas likely fired
2. Cincinnati Bengals – The Wasted Window
Expectations: AFC Championship contenders
Current State: 7-7, needing miracle for playoffs
Key Failures:
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Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist injury
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Defense allowing 26.1 PPG (24th)
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Ja’Marr Chase’s production cut in half
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$50M O-line still can’t run block (3.4 YPC)
Stunning Stat: 1-5 vs. winning teams
The Underachieving Veterans
3. Los Angeles Chargers – Same Old Story
Annual Hype: “This is their year”
2024 Reality: 6-8, last in AFC West
Chronic Issues:
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Justin Herbert’s regression (14 INTs)
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Brandon Staley’s defensive schemes failing
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$38M WR duo combining for just 5 TDs
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Special teams allowing 3 return TDs
Historical Context: 4th straight underachieving season
4. New Orleans Saints – The Roster Rot Sets In
Offseason Optimism: Weak division, veteran QB
Current Mess: 6-8, aging core showing cracks
Problems Mounting:
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Derek Carr’s $150M contract looking awful
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Alvin Kamara averaging career-low 3.7 YPC
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Defense allowing 58% red zone conversions
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Dennis Allen’s terrible game management
Statistical Proof of Decline
| Team | Preseason SB Odds | Current Record | PPG Diff | Turnover Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jets | +1200 | 5-9 | -5.1 | -7 |
| Bengals | +900 | 7-7 | -3.8 | -3 |
| Chargers | +1400 | 6-8 | -4.2 | -5 |
Data from NFL News disappointment metrics
Anatomy of These Collapses
Coaching Failures
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Jets’ Nathaniel Hackett’s prehistoric offense
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Chargers’ Brandon Staley’s defensive regression
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Saints’ Dennis Allen’s inability to adjust
Roster Construction Flaws
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Jets ignoring O-line depth
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Bengals’ RB committee approach failing
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Chargers’ lack of physicality
Injury Mismanagement
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Bengals rushing Burrow back
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Jets’ Rodgers rehab controversy
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Chargers’ Herbert playing through rib injury
Most Concerning Long-Term Situations
Jets’ Quarterback Quandary
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Rodgers’ age/health questions
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No developmental QB on roster
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2024 draft pick likely too late for top QB
Bengals’ Financial Time Bomb
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Burrow’s $55M/year kicks in 2025
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Chase/Higgins extensions looming
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Defense needs complete overhaul
Chargers’ Cap Hell
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$45M over 2025 cap already
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Herbert’s extension about to hit
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Tough decisions on Allen/Williams
Potential Offseason Shakeups
Likely Fired Coaches
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Robert Saleh (Jets)
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Brandon Staley (Chargers)
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Dennis Allen (Saints)
Front Office Changes
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Joe Douglas (Jets GM)
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Tom Telesco (Chargers GM)
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Mickey Loomis (Saints GM)
Draft Implications of Failure
Top 10 Pick Candidates
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Jets (Currently 8th)
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Chargers (Currently 10th)
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Saints (Currently 12th)
Franchise-Altering Prospects
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Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
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Olu Fashanu (OT)
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Brock Bowers (TE)
Historical Comparisons
Similar Disappointing Seasons
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2019 Browns (“The Hard Knocks Curse”)
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2020 Cowboys (Post-Dak injury collapse)
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2022 Rams (Super Bowl hangover)
How Those Teams Recovered
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Browns: Complete front office overhaul
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Cowboys: Stayed course with McCarthy
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Rams: Still dealing with consequences
Silver Linings in the Wreckage
Jets’ Emerging Young Talent
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Garrett Wilson’s continued growth
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Breece Hall returning to form
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Sauce Gardner still elite
Read More: NFL’s Most Underutilized Players 2024: Hidden Weapons Being Wasted by Their Teams
Bengals’ Bright Spots
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Chase Brown’s breakout at RB
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Myles Murphy showing flashes
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Evan McPherson’s clutch kicking
NFL’s Most Disappointing Teams 2024, For real-time fallout coverage and front office rumors, visit NFL News – their “Disaster Watch” series provides unparalleled access.
Which collapse shocks YOU most? Share your thoughts below!
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