Four NFL Teams Officially Written Off After Week 5 Collapse

Key points

• The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-5 after entering the season with odds similar to the Kansas City Chiefs, facing a tough slate against the Rams, Ravens, Chiefs, 49ers, and Patriots.
• The Tennessee Titans are winless and rank last in the NFL in both scoring (11.6 points per game) and total offense (246.4 yards per game), despite offseason roster improvements.
• The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are performing as expected for teams not built to contend, though both have stockpiled young talent like Kadyn Proctor and Trey McBride.
• The New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one win each but remain just one game behind the NFC South leader, preventing them from being written off.
• The New York Jets are excluded from the 'written off' list because they are only one game behind the AFC East leaders, despite concerns about coaching and offensive line play.

Background

This analysis follows the early NFL season, where teams like the New York Jets and New England Patriots are competing closely in the AFC East. The Chargers' collapse is particularly notable given their high preseason expectations and the potential midseason departure of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Titans' struggles contrast with their active offseason efforts to improve the roster and coaching staff. Meanwhile, the Dolphins and Cardinals are focusing on draft position rather than playoff contention, leveraging young talent such as Chris Johnson and Jeremiah Love.

Why it matters

The early collapse of these four teams signals significant missteps in team construction, coaching, or player development. For the Chargers, the 0-5 record raises questions about the fit between head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert, potentially leading to coaching changes. The Titans' offensive struggles highlight the difficulty of translating offseason investments into on-field success. For the Dolphins and Cardinals, the focus shifts to long-term development and draft positioning, emphasizing the importance of building a competitive roster over time. These outcomes underscore the volatility of the NFL, where high expectations can quickly turn into early-season failures.

What to watch

The Los Angeles Chargers may consider parting ways with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel if performance does not improve. The Tennessee Titans are unlikely to secure many wins, focusing instead on developing young players. The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals will continue to prioritize draft position and player development. The New York Jets will need to maintain competitive play to stay in the AFC East race, while the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will fight for a playoff spot in the NFC South.