Most disappointing NFL teams in 2024

As the NFL season enters Week 12, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders. And now that more than half of the season is in the books, it’s clear which teams that opened the year with high expectations are going to go down as the most disappointing 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 disappointment without bringing up the New York Jets. After being on the rise just two years ago and blaming the issues in 2023 on Aaron Rodgers’ season long injury, the Jets entered 2024 once again hoping to make a championship run. 

Unfortunately for Jets fans, their decades long plight crept up again and New York’s season will likely go down as one of the most disappointing in NFL history. Rodgers has struggled to be consistent, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas have both been fired and the addition of Devante Adams has been a waste so far.  

All in all, the Jets are now further away from the playoffs than they were before shaking things up to bring a future Hall of Fame quarterback aboard. 

Can they turn it around? 

The Jets do have a couple games against Dolphins left, allowing them to make up some ground in the division with wins, and a matchup with the lowly Jaguars as well. But the Jets have proved they can lose to anybody. They should consider just shutting Rodgers down at this point since it’s unlikely he’s back, but no matter what they do, this season is already too far gone. 

Predicted final record: 5-12 

Dallas Cowboys 

Current record: 3-7

For brand name alone, the Cowboys are always expected to be a contender. And to be fair, Dallas did accomplish three straight 12-win seasons before 2024. 

But this year has been a complete disaster. Dak Prescott threw eight interceptions in his eight games played before suffering a season ending injury, the return of Ezekiel Elliot has been highlighted by drama and the defense has been a shell of its former self. 

It’s safe to say Jerry Jones will now be forced to move on from Mike McCarthy and make another change at head coach as one of the league’s marquee franchises looks to crawl back to glory at some point in the future. 

Can they turn it around? 

For all his playoff failures, Prescott is usually solid during the regular season and could maybe dig Dallas out of this hole if not sidelined with an injury. With Prescott just watching from the owner’s suite, the Cowboys aren’t going to be able to do enough with a lack luster run game to help them. 

Predicted final record: 5-12 

Cincinnati Bengals 

Current record: 4-7 

In 2023, the Bengals had the excuse of being without Joe Burrow for a significant portion of the season. However, Burrow’s return and strong play hasn’t helped Cincinnati win games this year. 

In fact, Burrow has put up numbers – 3,028 passing yards, with 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions – that would merit MVP consideration if on a contending team. Cincinnati’s defense has let down the offense, leading to one gut-wrenching loss after another. 

And to paint the picture of what Bengals fans have had to endure, six of Cincinnati’s losses have come by one score.  

Can they turn it around? 

It’s tough to completely discount the Bengals because they could just as easily be 7-4 or better. It’s unlikely the Steelers and Ravens mess up enough to let Cincinnati in the AFC North race, but if they can reduce mistakes at the end of games, the Bengals could be a dangerous team no one wants to play down the stretch. 

The Bengals still have the talent to turn things around, but are now too far behind to truly threaten for the playoffs. Add some defensive help and Cincinnati should be right back as a contender next season.

Predicted final record: 8-9

Chicago Bears 

Current record: 4-6 

While the previously mentioned teams are likely on everyone’s list, this next one could be up for debate. Some may argue the 49ers are underachieving coming off a Super Bowl appearance, but their issues have been mostly due to injuries. Others could bring up the Browns, but most were able to see the Deshaun Watson debacle coming a mile away. 

The Bears kicked off the 2024 season with high hopes after drafting Caleb Williams, a quarterback many argued had more natural talent than any other in franchise history. They also put weapons around him and felt they should make noise in an open NFC North, even if they were a year away from truly being a major threat. 

Despite showing flashes, Williams hasn’t consistently produced yet and the Bears currently sit at the bottom of the division. 

Can they turn it around?

It’s not necessarily important the Bears fight to get back in the playoff hunt this season, but it would be nice if Williams and company show their fans that the future is bright by steadily improving. 

If Chicago keeps building around Williams, they should be compete for years to come. The main problem is the Lions, Packers and Vikings are likely not going anywhere either. 

Predicted final record: 7-10