The Struggling Franchises of the 2024 NFL Season
As the 2024 NFL season advances into Week 14, several prominent franchises find themselves grappling with unexpectedly challenging circumstances. The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots headline the list of teams whose seasons have not lived up to expectations, reflecting a broader struggle across the league with their current standings.
The Giants and Raiders have both posted disappointing 2-10 records so far, leading to unrest among their loyal fanbases. While the Giants are accustomed to the highs and lows of rebuilding phases, this iteration seemed to promise more hope at the outset. Meanwhile, the Raiders' ongoing search for stability in the post-Jon Gruden era appears far from resolved.
Unlike their New York counterparts, the Jets, at 3-9, cling to faint hopes of salvaging some pride, but aspirations for the postseason have all but vanished. With a roster filled with potential yet facing execution issues, the Jets add to the story of frustration dominating New York football this fall.
The New England Patriots find themselves in uncharacteristic territory as well. Sitting at 3-10 and facing the likely reality of another miserable campaign, Patriots fans are forced to confront the flashbacks of pre-dynasty times. Despite the promise shown by young quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, the team's chances are limited by an impending schedule with a grueling strength of .708 and a mere 42.26% probability of eking out another win.
Across the league, the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers are among those sharing similar struggles at 3-9, each team confronting its own unique set of challenges. The competition towards the bottom of the standings fortifies Jacksonville Jaguars' compelling case for securing the coveted No. 1 draft position, but with the Giants boasting a 25.22% probability of snagging the top pick, the race remains unpredictable.
Despite these franchise woes, individual talents continue to shine against the stormy backdrop of the season. Travis Hunter Jr., excelling at Colorado Buffaloes, stands out as a two-way dynamo. Serving up 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, coupled with 31 tackles and four interceptions on defense, Hunter is carving out significant attention as a potential key prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. These impressive stats amplify his profile, adding an element of intrigue as college football evaluations intensify.
Quarterback narratives persist, as the legacy of the 2023 draft influences current dynamics. Six of the first 12 draft selections were quarterbacks, marking a strong year for the position. However, the 2024 draft pool has not mirrored that depth, presenting a challenging scenario for teams seeking a generational quarterback to reshape their future.
Individually, the collegiate scene sees stars emerging. Cam Ward from Miami (FL) has thrown for 4,123 yards and accounted for 36 touchdowns this season, while Shedeur Sanders of Colorado has showcased his prowess with 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns. Both quarterbacks are cementing their legacies as pivotal players, offering flashes of brilliance that intrigue NFL scouts hungry to bolster their ranks.
Forecasting the conclusion of the regular season, statistical models suggest varied outcomes for these struggling teams. The Giants possess a 36.74% chance to end with three wins, while the Raiders stand a 34.06% chance of closing out with a quartet of victories, hinting at slight optimism amid the rubble of a bleak season.
Teams like the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Cincinnati Bengals, each with 4-8 records, continue to linger just below the median line of mediocrity and success. These squads battle, not just for dignity but for the potential strategic advantage a higher draft pick might secure in rebuilding their fortunes.
As the season draws toward its final stages, the narrative of 2024 is one marked by dashed hopes and emerging bright spots. For certain franchises, the hope now lies in future drafts and potential player acquisitions. Meanwhile, players like Travis Hunter Jr., Cam Ward, and Shedeur Sanders remain beacons of hope, hinting at the fresh talent ready to reshape the future of the league.