Because the NFL season enters Week 12, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders. And now that greater than half of the season is within the books, it is clear which groups that opened the 12 months with excessive expectations are going to go down as essentially the most disappointing of 2024.
Listed below are essentially the most disappointing groups within the NFL.
New York Jets
Present report: 3-8
It is unattainable to speak about NFL disappointment with out citing the New York Jets. After being on the rise simply two years in the past and blaming the problems in 2023 on Aaron Rodgers’ season lengthy damage, the Jets entered 2024 as soon as once more hoping to make a championship run.
Sadly for Jets followers, their many years lengthy plight crept up once more and New York’s season will doubtless go down as some of the disappointing in NFL historical past. Rodgers has struggled to be constant, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas have each been fired and the addition of Devante Adams has been a waste to this point.
All in all, the Jets are actually further away from the playoffs than they have been earlier than shaking issues as much as deliver a future Corridor of Fame quarterback aboard.
Can they flip it round?
The Jets do have a pair video games towards Dolphins left, permitting them to make up some floor within the division with wins, and a matchup with the lowly Jaguars as effectively. However the Jets have proved they will lose to anyone. They need to contemplate simply shutting Rodgers down at this level because it’s unlikely he is again, however it doesn’t matter what they do, this season is already too far gone.
Predicted last report: 5-12
Dallas Cowboys
Present report: 3-7
For model identify alone, the Cowboys are all the time anticipated to be a contender. And to be honest, Dallas did accomplish three straight 12-win seasons earlier than 2024.
However this 12 months has been an entire catastrophe. Dak Prescott threw eight interceptions in his eight video games performed earlier than struggling a season ending damage, the return of Ezekiel Elliot has been highlighted by drama and the protection has been a shell of its former self.
It is protected to say Jerry Jones will now be compelled to maneuver on from Mike McCarthy and make one other change at head coach as one of many league’s marquee franchises seems to be to crawl again to glory in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later.
Can they flip it round?
For all his playoff failures, Prescott is normally stable throughout the common season and will possibly dig Dallas out of this gap if not sidelined with an damage. With Prescott simply watching from the proprietor’s suite, the Cowboys aren’t going to have the ability to do sufficient with an absence luster run recreation to assist them.
Predicted last report: 5-12
Cincinnati Bengals
Present report: 4-7
In 2023, the Bengals had the excuse of being with out Joe Burrow for a good portion of the season. Nevertheless, Burrow’s return and robust play hasn’t helped Cincinnati win video games this 12 months.
The truth is, Burrow has put up numbers – 3,028 passing yards, with 27 touchdowns and solely 4 interceptions – that may benefit MVP consideration if on a contending workforce. Cincinnati’s protection has let down the offense, main to 1 gut-wrenching loss after one other.
And to color the image of what Bengals followers have needed to endure, six of Cincinnati’s losses have come by one rating.
Can they flip it round?
It is robust to utterly low cost the Bengals as a result of they may simply as simply be 7-4 or higher. It is unlikely the Steelers and Ravens mess up sufficient to let Cincinnati within the AFC North race, but when they will scale back errors on the finish of video games, the Bengals may very well be a harmful workforce nobody desires to minimize the stretch.
The Bengals nonetheless have the expertise to show issues round, however are actually too far behind to really threaten for the playoffs. Add some defensive assist and Cincinnati must be proper again as a contender subsequent season.
Predicted last report: 8-9
Chicago Bears
Present report: 4-6
Whereas the beforehand talked about groups are doubtless on everybody’s listing, this subsequent one may very well be up for debate. Some could argue the 49ers are underachieving coming off a Tremendous Bowl look, however their points have been principally on account of accidents. Others may deliver up the Browns, however most have been in a position 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 extra pure expertise than some other in franchise historical past. In addition they put weapons round him and felt they need to make noise in an open NFC North, even when they have been a 12 months away from actually being a significant menace.
Regardless of displaying flashes, Williams hasn’t constantly produced but and the Bears at the moment sit on the backside of the division.
Can they flip it round?
It is not essentially vital the Bears struggle to get again within the playoff hunt this season, however it might be good if Williams and firm present their followers that the long run is vibrant by steadily bettering.
If Chicago retains constructing round Williams, they need to be compete for years to return. The principle drawback is the Lions, Packers and Vikings are doubtless not going anyplace both.
Predicted last report: 7-10
