By Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season, four franchises have clearly fallen out of contention for any meaningful playoff run. While every fan hopes for a turnaround, the on‑field results tell a different story, and the realistic focus for these clubs should shift to rebuilding through the draft.
Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals: Young Talent, Low Expectations
The Dolphins and Cardinals entered the season without the expectation of contending for a championship, and their early records reflect that. Miami’s rookie class – featuring Kadyn Proctor, Chris Johnson, Jacob Rodriguez, Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell – shows promise, but the team’s performance to date has been sub‑par. Arizona, despite an early‑season win, also struggles, though it boasts the league’s top tight end in Trey McBride and a potentially generational talent in Jeremiah Love, who is currently sidelined with injury.
Both clubs are now positioned to secure high draft picks, a silver lining for fans who value long‑term growth over short‑term victories.
Tennessee Titans: A Season‑Long Disappointment
The Titans’ situation is even more concerning. After an aggressive offseason aimed at improving the roster and coaching staff, the team now ranks last in the league for both scoring (11.6 points per game) and total offense (246.4 yards per game). Their winless record makes any hope of a playoff berth unrealistic, and the franchise will likely look to the upcoming draft to reset its trajectory.
Los Angeles Chargers: From Super Bowl Contenders to 0‑5
Perhaps the most striking fall has been the Chargers. Entering the season with Super Bowl odds comparable to the Kansas City Chiefs, the team, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert, should be a contender. Instead, they sit 0‑5 with a daunting schedule that includes the Rams, Ravens, Chiefs (twice), 49ers and Patriots. The recent departure of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel further underscores the turmoil, making a mid‑season coaching change more plausible than a late‑season surge.
Why Draft Position Matters
For each of these four teams, the immediate priority shifts from chasing wins to securing valuable draft capital. High draft picks can bring franchise‑changing talent, a strategy that aligns with the long‑term health of the organization and its fan base. While supporters may feel the sting of early losses, focusing on the future can restore competitiveness and bring pride back to their communities.
What Remains for Other Teams
The New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders, New York Jets and other clubs still have a chance to improve their records. However, the Dolphins, Cardinals, Titans and Chargers are the only franchises officially deemed “season over” at this point, according to the analysis.
Fans of the four struggling teams are encouraged to stay engaged, support their local communities, and look forward to the upcoming draft where the next generation of NFL talent will be selected.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
