In the world of professional sports, success and failure often become defining aspects of a franchise’s legacy. As we delve into the stories of struggling sports teams across major North American leagues, it becomes evident that the road to redemption is paved with numerous challenges.
This article aims to explore the current state of these teams, highlighting their ongoing battles and the factors contributing to their struggles as they strive to reclaim their lost glory.
20. Sacramento Kings (NBA)
The Sacramento Kings continue to struggle, sitting at 24-23 in the 2024-25 season. Despite talented players like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading in points and rebounds, the team remains stuck in mediocrity. Their inconsistent performance and inability to break into the upper echelons of the Western Conference leave fans wondering if they’ll ever recapture their former glory.
19. New York Jets (NFL)
The New York Jets continue to struggle, finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Despite high hopes with Aaron Rodgers joining the team, his injury derailed their plans. The Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, holding the longest active playoff drought in major North American sports. Their defense, once a strength, has also faltered, failing to protect leads in crucial moments.
18. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
The Earthquakes struggled mightily in 2024, finishing 29th out of 30 teams with a dismal 6-3-25 record. Despite this, hope springs eternal for 2025 with a packed schedule featuring matches against star-studded Inter Miami CF and new rival San Diego FC. The club aims to reverse its fortunes and recapture playoff glory.
17. Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
The Sparks hit rock bottom in 2024, finishing with a dismal 8-32 record. Despite a rich history of success, including three WNBA championships, the team has struggled in recent years. With new coach Lynne Roberts at the helm for 2025, the Sparks hope to reverse their fortunes and climb out of the Western Conference cellar.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
Despite recent success, the Buccaneers’ 2024 season saw them struggle with a 10-7 record. Their offense ranked 4th in rushing yards (149.2 per game) and 3rd in passing yards (265.0 per game), but inconsistent performances led to close losses. The team’s future remains uncertain as they navigate roster changes and seek to maintain their competitive edge in the NFC South.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
Despite a star-studded offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals missed the playoffs in 2024 with a 9-8 record. Their defense struggled, ranking among the worst in the league. With limited cap space and a mid-first-round pick, improving both sides of the ball will be challenging for 2025.
14. Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
Despite their storied history, the Cowboys have struggled to find playoff success in recent years. Their last Super Bowl appearance was in 1995, and they’ve won only three playoff games since 2000. With a 12-5 record in 2023 but another early playoff exit, the team continues to fall short of expectations, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the franchise’s direction.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
The Steelers’ 2024-2025 season ended in disappointment, losing their last five games. Their offense struggled, averaging only 15.5 points per game (25th in the league). Despite a strong defense, allowing just 8 points per game, the team’s inability to score consistently led to their downfall. With aging stars and offensive woes, Pittsburgh faces an uphill battle to regain their winning form.
12. Miami Dolphins (NFL)
Despite flashes of potential, the Dolphins have struggled to find consistent success. Their last playoff win came in 2000, and they’ve made the postseason only three times since 2008. With a 9-8 record in 2022 and 11-6 in 2023, they show promise but still fall short of championship contention.
11. Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
The Colts have struggled to find consistency since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019. Despite flashes of potential from young quarterback Anthony Richardson, the team finished 8-9 in 2024, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. With an aging roster and ongoing injury concerns, Indianapolis faces an uphill battle to return to contention.
10. New York Giants (NFL)
The Giants hit rock bottom in 2024, finishing with a dismal 3-14 record. Their offense struggled mightily, averaging just 16.3 points per game (31st in the league). With the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 draft, they hope to rebuild, but fans fear another disappointing season ahead.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
The Jaguars’ struggles continued in 2024, finishing with a dismal 4-13 record. Despite high hopes for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the team’s defense ranked last in the league. With a new head coach in Liam Coen and the 5th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville aims to rebuild and break their two-year playoff drought.
8. Cleveland Browns (NFL)
The Cleveland Browns continue to struggle, finishing the 2024 season with a dismal 3-14 record. Their offense ranked near the bottom of the league, and quarterback Deshaun Watson’s future remains uncertain after another injury. With key players potentially leaving in free agency, the Browns face an uphill battle to turn things around in 2025.
7. New Orleans Saints (NFL)
The Saints have fallen on hard times since their 2009 Super Bowl victory. With an aging roster, salary cap issues, and a coaching change, they’ve struggled to remain competitive. In 2024, they finished 9-8, missing the playoffs for the third straight year. The team faces an uphill battle to rebuild and return to contention in a tough NFC South.
6. San Jose Sharks (NHL)
The San Jose Sharks are struggling mightily in the 2024-25 NHL season, sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division with a dismal 15-33-6 record. Their -54 goal differential is the worst in the league, and they rank last in both power play and penalty kill percentages, highlighting their struggles on special teams.
5. Washington Wizards (NBA)
The Washington Wizards are enduring a dismal 2024-25 NBA season, with a league-worst 6-40 record. Their -14.7 net rating ranks last in the NBA, struggling on both ends of the court. With no clear path to improvement, the Wizards seem destined for a lengthy rebuild.
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4. Chicago White Sox (MLB)
The White Sox hit rock bottom in 2024, setting an MLB record with 121 losses. Despite a projected 20-win improvement for 2025, their roster lacks direction. With aging role players like Josh Rojas and Mike Tauchman getting significant playing time, the team seems to have no clear plan for rebuilding or contending in the near future.
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3. Detroit Pistons (NBA)
The Detroit Pistons have shown signs of improvement in the 2024-2025 season, currently holding a 25-24 record. Led by Cade Cunningham, who’s averaging 25.2 points and 9.4 assists per game, the team is fighting for a playoff spot. However, their recent history of struggle and rebuilding still places them among the NBA’s most challenged franchises.
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2. Carolina Panthers (NFL)
The Panthers have endured six straight seasons with 10+ losses, including a dismal 5-12 record in 2024. Despite drafting QB Bryce Young first overall in 2023, Carolina’s offense remains anemic, ranking 28th in yards per game. Their defense allowed a league-worst 31.7 points per game, leaving fans with little hope for 2025.
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1. Colorado Rockies (MLB)
The Rockies continue to struggle, finishing the 2024 season with a dismal 61-101 record, their second consecutive 100-loss season. With a weak pitching staff and lackluster offense, Colorado faces an uphill battle in the competitive NL West. Despite hopes for Ryan Feltner’s breakout, the team’s prospects for 2025 remain bleak.
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