The NFL can flip on a dime, and just as fast as fortunes change, so can team rankings. Case in point: the Miami Dolphins, who just pulled themselves out of last place in the AFC East and slid up to second after a big win over the Rams. On the flip side, the New England Patriots—who seemed destined for better things this season—have fallen into the East’s basement. But the Patriots aren’t alone. Entering Week 11, eight other NFL teams find themselves in the cellar of their respective divisions.
So, which of these last-place squads has the brightest future? Let’s rank the league’s eight bottom teams based on their long-term potential, looking at their current obstacles, assets, and the paths they could take to build success.
8. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
Cleveland’s biggest challenge is Deshaun Watson’s contract, which carries a $73 million dead cap hit if he’s cut after June 1, 2024. This limits flexibility, especially as the team needs skill-position upgrades following the Amari Cooper trade. Their offensive line, when healthy, is strong, but injuries have exposed gaps, and the team lacks depth on the defensive line after trading Za’Darius Smith to the Lions.
On the plus side, the Browns’ secondary remains solid, and they have a star in edge rusher Myles Garrett. Head coach Kevin Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, is still in place, and Cleveland has nine picks in the upcoming draft, including a first-rounder. However, they play in the difficult AFC North, so improvements must be significant for immediate impact.
Also Read: How The NFL Honors Voting Works? Process & Rules For NFL MVP, DPOY, And More
7. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
The Raiders have made changes, trading Davante Adams and firing several assistants. Owner Mark Davis will likely continue this overhaul, with Antonio Pierce expected to be replaced as head coach. Potential hires include Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel, with minority owner Tom Brady possibly involved in the decision-making.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral Chicago Bears stories via Google! Follow Us
Las Vegas needs a quarterback, likely through the draft or a veteran free-agent signing. They have a history of successful reclamation projects at QB, like Rich Gannon and Jim Plunkett. Pass rusher Maxx Crosby is a key asset on defense, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers has shown potential on offense. The Raiders have room to reshape their roster with $108 million in projected cap space.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8)
Despite their record, the Jaguars have been competitive, losing six games by a single score. The team has a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, though his development has been hindered by poor offensive line play and the season-ending injury to receiver Christian Kirk.
Jacksonville has young offensive talent, including rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and running backs Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. On defense, they have young players like edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen and cornerback Tyson Campbell. Jacksonville holds nine draft picks for 2024, giving them ample opportunities to address needs. Head coach Doug Pederson, however, is on the hot seat, and his future with the team remains uncertain.
5. New England Patriots (3-7)
Despite a disappointing season, the Patriots have seen promise from rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who has shown improvement in recent games. Building a better supporting cast around Maye will be a priority, especially on the offensive line.
Defensively, New England has key pieces, including ends Keion White and Deatrich Wise Jr., and cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots have nearly $97 million in cap space in 2024 and hold 17 draft picks over the next two years, allowing significant flexibility for a rebuild.
4. Carolina Panthers (3-7)
After two recent wins, the Panthers’ outlook has brightened. Rookie QB Bryce Young has shown improvement and is looking more comfortable in head coach Dave Canales’ offense. Young’s development is key to the team’s future.
Carolina has extended running back Chuba Hubbard, who recently rushed for 153 yards in a win over the Giants. They have $34 million in projected cap space for 2024 and hold 11 draft picks. These assets give Carolina a reasonable chance to improve quickly in a competitive but winnable NFC South.
Also Read: Who Will Be The Difference-Makers In The Second Half Of The 2024 NFL Season?
3. New York Giants (2-8)
The Giants face a pivotal offseason, with head coach Brian Daboll likely returning but Daniel Jones likely on his way out. The Giants will need a new quarterback, possibly through the draft, and they already have young offensive playmakers in rookie Malik Nabers, receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, and running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.
On defense, the Giants have strong contributors like defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence and linebackers Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari. The secondary ranks seventh in the league in pass defense but struggles against the run. New York has $42 million in projected cap space and eight draft picks to address key areas of need.
2. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
Seattle started the season strong but has struggled recently, partially due to a -7 turnover ratio. They play in the challenging NFC West, which hasn’t made their path any easier. The Seahawks have a talented receiving duo in DK Metcalf and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but they need reinforcements on the offensive line and improved run defense.
Quarterback Geno Smith has been inconsistent, leading the league in interceptions after a hot start. With his contract nearing its end, Seattle may bring in competition at QB. They have little cap space but a solid core, giving first-year head coach Mike Macdonald a foundation to build upon.
1. Chicago Bears (4-5)
The Bears began the season with promise, going 4-2 before losing three straight. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’s performance has been inconsistent, but his potential remains high, particularly if the team can address offensive line issues in the offseason.
Chicago’s defense has been solid, ranking seventh in points allowed and first in red-zone efficiency. They will have $72 million in cap space in 2024 and hold eight draft picks, including four in the first three rounds. These assets provide the Bears with substantial flexibility, though questions about their coaching staff and a tough division remain obstacles.
