As the 2024 NFL season progresses into Week 14, several storied franchises are grappling with underwhelming performances. Among them, the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots are facing seasons that have failed to meet expectations.
Struggles of Historic Franchises
Both the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders have stumbled their way to dismal records of 2-10. This season has been particularly disappointing for these teams, as they find themselves far from playoff contention. The New England Patriots, not much better, enter Week 14 with a 3-10 record. Despite the past success and strong fan bases these teams possess, their current standings reveal the challenges they face in rebuilding and restructuring.
Adding to the drama, the New York Jets have also had a rough 2024 season. Their 3-9 record places them squarely among the lower ranks of the NFL this year. In a league where quarterback talent often defines success, the 2023 draft offered teams a wealth of opportunity with six of the first 12 picks being quarterbacks. However, the 2024 draft pool appears to lack the same depth at this crucial position, possibly contributing to the struggles seen on the field this season.
Draft Deliberations
As the season winds down, focus begins to shift toward the 2025 NFL Draft. With a disappointing record, the Giants have a 25.22% probability of earning the No. 1 draft pick, a position that could greatly aid their rebuilding process. However, they are closely contested by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are also in the mix for top picks due to their own shortcomings this season.
Travis Hunter Jr. emerges as a significant prospect for the 2025 draft. The dual-threat from the Colorado Buffaloes has been a standout performer, boasting 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, alongside 31 tackles and four interceptions on defense. His versatility makes him a highly attractive candidate for any NFL team looking to bolster their roster with dynamic talent.
Predictive Outcomes
Looking forward to the conclusion of the season, the Giants are expected most likely to finish with three wins, holding a 36.74% likelihood of reaching this mark. Conversely, the Raiders have a 34.06% chance of closing the season with four victories, a marginal improvement yet still a reflection of a challenging year.
The New England Patriots' outlook doesn't promise much relief. With their remaining schedule strength calculated at .708, they face one of the toughest roads to end the season. Although there is a 42.26% probability of them adding another victory to their record, it will likely be a battle until the end.
League-Wide Challenges
A handful of other teams, including the Browns, Titans, Panthers, and Jets, share a common 3-9 record this season. This uniform struggle points to a broader competitive balance across the league, with many teams fighting for crucial wins in what has been a contentious season.
In the face of these shared adversities, some individual players still have shone brightly. Quarterbacks like Cam Ward from Miami (FL), with 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns, and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, with 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns, continue to make compelling arguments for their future in professional football.
Meanwhile, the Bears, Saints, and Bengals all finding themselves at 4-8, showcase the unpredictability and intense competition within the league. Each of these teams will be looking to rally and end their seasons on a higher note, establishing some momentum as they move into the offseason.
As the 2024 NFL season nears its climax, these storylines signal pivotal moments for teams in need of hope and direction. Whether through potential draft gains or offseason changes, the strategies that teams employ in the coming months will define their paths to resurgence and future success in the NFL landscape.