The NFL is a league where parity reigns supreme, but some franchises nonetheless find themselves trapped in cycles of mediocrity and disappointment. As we examine the 2025 season, several teams stand out as the league’s most troubled organizations.
From quarterback controversies to lack of offensive weapons, these franchises face significant challenges that could define their seasons before they even begin.
Entering the 2025 NFL season, these teams enter their training camps with the worst outlooks:
- New Orleans Saints
- Cleveland Browns
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Indianapolis Colts
Worst Teams Entering the 2025 NFL Season
While not exactly an NFL power ranking list so much as a dour ranking list, here are the NFL teams most likely to be competing for top draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
New Orleans Saints – NFC South
Beyond Alvin Kamara, offensive weapons are few and far between. Wide receiver Chris Olave has shown promise in his first few years, but after a serious concussion derailed his season and no reliable quarterback play, his ceiling may be capped.
After a dismal end to the 2024 season, the Saints remain in the middle of a rebuild and new head coach Kellen Moore is inheriting a roster in transition.
Cleveland Browns – AFC North
The strength of their team lies on defense, where they are led by perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett to keep them in tight, low-scoring games.
Tennessee Titans – AFC South
He’s surrounded by a few offensive weapons in Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley, but the team still lacks the explosiveness to take a significant leap forward.
New York Giants – NFC East
Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr, who emerged as rookie sensations last year, provide some spark at the skills positions for the Giants. And with the addition of Abdul Carter, the Giants boast one of the best front defensive lines in the league and could make games very uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks.
One thing that hasn’t changed for the Giants: the NFC East is one of the toughest divisions in the league, and they’re squarely at the bottom of it.
New York Jets – AFC East
This offseason, they also signed cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson to massive rookie extensions
With running back Breece Hall and Wilson (a former teammate of Fields at Ohio State), there is a chance that they find some sort of spark and make noise for a Wild Card spot. But that requires almost everything to go right, and the Jets’ history has been defined by almost the complete opposite of that for decades.
Indianapolis Colts – AFC South
Coach Shane Steichen could be coaching for his job this season, adding pressure to an already uncertain situation in Indianapolis.
The Jacksonville Jaguars also had a case to be on this list, which makes the AFC South division one of the least competitive in the league.
The Common Thread: Quarterback Uncertainty
What ties all these teams together is the fundamental truth that success in the NFL starts with quarterback play.
Whether it’s veteran uncertainty, rookie growing pains or complete question marks at the position, each of these franchises faces significant challenges at the most important spot on the field. Some teams even have the additional challenge of adapting to new coaching staff.
They don’t have Super Bowl aspirations, but the 2025 season will be crucial for these teams in determining whether they can begin climbing out of the league’s basement or if they’ll remain among the NFL’s most disappointing franchises for another year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who has gone 0-16 in the NFL?
The Cleveland Browns were the last team to go winless at 0-16 in 2017. Before that the 2008 Detroit Lions "achieved" the same feat.
What are the worst NFL teams in 2025?
Some of the projected worst teams in the NFL heading into the 2025 season are the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts.
What NFL team has the toughest schedule in 2025?
The New York Giants enter the season with the toughest schedule in 2025. Their opponents had a combined record of 166-123 (.574) in 2024.
What are the most losses in an NFL season?
The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions share the record for most losses in an NFL season with 16.
What NFL team never won a Super Bowl?
The following teams have never won a Super Bowl: Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.
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