Ranking the WORST top teams in the NFL following Week 1. There were certainly some risers and fallers, but man, some of the fallers were BAD. Make sure to drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments!
No. 10: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns entered Week 1 as playoff and maybe even Super Bowl hopefuls. But they walked out of Week 1 looking like a team with no future. Quarterback Deshaun Watson was harassed by the Dallas Cowboys defense. Meanwhile, the Browns’ defense, which was expected to be among the top units in the NFL, was exposed by the Cowboys’ offense. It’s only Week 1, but if the Browns don’t turn it around soon, panic could set in.
No. 9: Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense kept the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the end zone in Week 1, yet the team still found a way to lose the game. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins looked poor in his debut with the team as the offense really struggled to get going. The Falcons need to see more returns on their mega-million investment at quarterback or else their season could spiral out of control.
No. 8: Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals were expected to have one of the more incomplete rosters in the NFL entering the season. They were surprisingly competitive with the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, however, the team’s limitations were also on full display. Quarterback Kyler Murray can’t do it all by himself and he needs more help if the Cardinals want to stack some wins this season.
No. 7: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots secured an upset 16–10 victory on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The Patriots played hard for rookie head coach Jerod Mayo, which should bode well for their season. However, they still have issues on offense with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett turning in a lackluster performance. The Patriots overachieved in Week 1, but how long can they keep that up?
No. 6: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders saw flashes from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in Week 1 which should give them hope for the season. However, their defense was carved apart by Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, and their pass-catchers on offense were underwhelming. The Commanders have potential, but seem to be a largely incomplete football team that could struggle this season.
No. 5: Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has shown flashes throughout the summer, and that continued into Week 1. However, he largely struggled against a Seattle Seahawks defense that rarely gives quarterbacks such fits. The Seahawks controlled the game and exposed many weaknesses in the Broncos’ defense. With their lack of offensive playmaking talent and lack of strength defensively, the Broncos could be in store for a difficult 2024-25 campaign.
No. 4: Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders looked lifeless in their season opener on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers. For a division-rivalry game, the Raiders lacked energy. Their defense got thrashed by the Chargers’ rushing attack and their offense put up only 10 points and struggled to move the ball all Sunday long. Rookie head coach Antonio Pierce needs to right the ship as soon as possible.
No. 3: Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans lost a hard-fought Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears on the road. The question they must ponder entering Week 2 is whether their offense is that bad or if the Bears’ defense is that good. If the answer is the former, this could be a troubling season for Tennessee. Second-year quarterback Will Levis was careless with the football and needs to clean things up if he wants to lead the Titans to any success this season.
No. 2: New York Giants
The New York Giants paired their ugly uniforms with some of the ugliest football fans have ever seen in Week 1. Their offense was stagnant, failing to score a touchdown and turning the ball over twice en route to a 28–6 beat down in favor of the Minnesota Vikings. QB Daniel Jones looked like he was seeing ghosts, throwing an interception in the red zone and tossing a pick-six to the Vikings. If this team doesn’t bounce back quickly, things might get ugly for head coach Brian Daboll and company.
No. 1: Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers were the worst team in the NFL last season and that trend seems to be continuing this season. They were blown out by the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 as second-year quarterback Bryce Young continues to struggle. The Panthers looked week on both sides of the ball and seem far away from being competitive.