Not sure how many sports sites or media mentions the bottom of the barrel, but why not mention the five worst teams whether it’s weekly or long-term until such times as changes on their roster, coaching staff, or on-field performance? This will be the first of hopefully many Bottom Five Rankings per week until the postseason. I’m not sure how I will set this up, but I have the whole offseason to come up with something for it.

5) NEW YORK GIANTS

I knew better than believing in the hype last season. The Danny Dimes big paycheck over Saquon Barkley was definitely sus but I listened to the media across plenty of networks. To be fair, the rest of the NFC teams not named Dallas, Philly, San Fran, or Detroit was a mystery, so it left me figuring it out for probably two months before falling for it right before Week 1. This season, they start at the bottom because there’s too many questions on offense excluding Barkley, but he’s even included because he’s a free agent alongside Adoree’ Jackson. The offensive line needs work and receivers need answers somewhere. Until these are resolved, they’re right below Dallas and Philly for a good long while.

4) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Commanders have a new man in town in former 49er GM Adam Peters, but there’s so much fixing to do (mostly the stadium and facilities itself). The defense needs help across the board. They need a new front and their secondary needs more help. Their only bright spot is the linebacker position, but two of those starters are set to be free agents if not re-signed. The offense should be ok, but I’m mummed on the fact that they may not believe in Sam Howell. However, start with the offensive line. They were the worst in the NFL leading to Howell getting sacked 65 times. Get Tom Brady out of retirement all you want, but that won’t fix crap if their line is abysmal.

3) TENNESSEE TITANS

With Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill likely gone, the rebuild officially begins. How long would it take? It might not be long because they currently have the Top 3 highest cap space right now. It’s possible they’ll retain some key players and sign good ones to replace. It’s also possible their offensive line recovers after sustaining so many injuries last season. I wouldn’t count out their defense taking a step back with plenty of talent returning and recovering from injury too. The major question is the quarterback health, and needs at running back, receiver, and the secondary.

2) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The bad news is that the Patriots aren’t going anywhere with an upgraded division in a Tom Brady-less era. The good news is that they have the second highest cap space in 2024. Do they want Hunter Henry back since he’s hitting free agency? It’s likely they let him go and search for a new tight end (cough cough, Brock Bowers maybe???) The rest of the offense so many, MANY questions. Mac Jones hasn’t been mentioned for a return before free agency next month, the offensive line wasn’t great last season, and the receiving core needs a makeover after being one of the worst positions in the NFL.

1) CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina is by far the biggest dumpster fire. Drafting Bryce Jones, picking up Adam Thielen and Miles Sanders in free agency, and hiring Frank Reich (who didn’t last the whole season) couldn’t build this team to winning success quickly, which Panthers owner David Tepper wanted. Tepper splashing water at a visiting Jaguar fan was the icing on their dumpster fire cake. While their defense was the bright spot, the injury bug eventually hit them too. However, defeating number two pick CJ Stroud and eventual playoff team Houston was a big moment for Jones. It’s unclear if Carolina will keep Brian Burns. His name was mentioned for other locations since last season’s offseason. Other key players are set to hit free agency, so Carolina must decide who to keep moving forward in their rebuilding process.