Every NFL offseason brings a new wave of optimism. Coaches preach improvement, players post cryptic hype videos, and fanbases convince themselves this is the year.
But some teams are repeat offenders when it comes to talking the talk and completely ignoring the walk. Here are 10 NFL franchises that hype themselves up like Super Bowl favorites—only to leave their fans disappointed year after year.
10. Carolina Panthers
There’s always some buzz about a “sneaky good” season, and then it goes nowhere fast. Every quarterback is the answer… until he isn’t.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Big moves, big personalities, and big talk—every season starts loud. But the results? Usually a whole lot of heartbreak and head-shaking.
8. Arizona Cardinals
The vibes are strong in September. By November, the excuses start rolling in right on schedule.
7. Cleveland Browns
They win the offseason almost every year. Then the regular season starts, and that energy vanishes like a fourth-quarter lead.
6. Atlanta Falcons
There’s always some convincing argument about why this time will be different. It rarely is—and when it is, something even stranger usually happens.
5. Chicago Bears
New quarterback, new coach, new hope—it’s an annual tradition. But when it’s time to back it up, the offense disappears and the excuses come rolling in.
4. New York Giants
They always seem to believe they’re just a few plays away from greatness. The reality is usually closer to a few seasons away from decent.
3. New York Jets
Jets fans talk like they’re already penciled in for the playoffs. The actual standings tend to disagree.
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2. Dallas Cowboys
Every single year: “This is our year.” And every single year: “What happened?”
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1. Los Angeles Chargers
On paper, they’re world-beaters. On the field, they’re specialists in underachieving with style.
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