Now that the 2024-2025 NFL season is over, it’s time to look back on the highs and lows. While a number of teams performed above expectations, several teams that entered the year with high hopes fell well short of expectations.
Let’s examine the ten most disappointing teams of the season, ranked from least to most disappointing.
10. Houston Texans
The Texans had high hopes after acquiring Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon in the offseason to pair with rising star CJ Stroud. While they managed to win the AFC South and reach the divisional round, their offense never quite clicked as expected. Injuries and questionable play-calling held them back from reaching their full potential.
9. Miami Dolphins
Despite a talented roster, the Dolphins failed to take the next step and establish themselves as true contenders in the AFC. Their inconsistent play throughout the season left fans wanting more and Tua’s concussion issues certainly didn’t help.
8. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens appeared poised for a deep playoff run after adding Derrick Henry and seeing Lamar Jackson play at an MVP level. However, they once again faltered in January, losing in heartbreaking fashion and failing to shed their “playoff choker” label.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers continued their cycle of mediocrity, finishing with another average season and an early playoff exit. Their stagnant offense and inability to make meaningful changes left fans frustrated with the team’s lack of progress.
6. Chicago Bears
After drafting Caleb Williams first overall, Bears fans had visions of playoff contention. Instead, they endured another disappointing season marked by poor coaching and questionable decision-making. While Williams showed flashes of potential, the team’s 5-12 record was a far cry from expectations.
5. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys entered 2024 with an “all-in” mentality, but their season was derailed by injuries and inconsistent play. Losses to inferior teams and a struggling offense led to another year of unfulfilled potential for “America’s Team.”
4. Detroit Lions
Despite a historic 15-2 regular season and the NFC’s top seed, the Lions suffered a crushing upset loss to Washington in the divisional round. Injuries and poor quarterback play in the playoffs turned a promising season into another disappointment for the long-suffering franchise.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals entered 2024 as Super Bowl contenders but stumbled out of the gate with a 3-8 start. While they rallied late in the season, they ultimately missed the playoffs. Joe Burrow’s strong play wasn’t enough to overcome defensive struggles and early-season miscues.
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2. San Francisco 49ers
Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers experienced a steep decline in 2024. Injuries ravaged the roster, while Brock Purdy regressed significantly. Their defense, once a strength, plummeted to 27th in points allowed per game. For a team with championship aspirations, the season was nothing short of disastrous.
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1. New York Jets
No team entered 2024 with higher expectations than the Jets after acquiring Aaron Rodgers. However, their season unraveled spectacularly. Rodgers struggled with consistency and the team fired both their head coach and general manager mid-season. With a 5-12 record, the Jets’ campaign will likely go down as one of the most disappointing in NFL history.
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