These NFL teams have disappointed the most in 2023

Now that the 2023 NFL season has passed the midway point, contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the pretenders, creating a clearer playoff picture. 

However, only three teams have suffered two or fewer losses entering Week 11, meaning plenty of teams have underachieved. With that in mind, let's look at two teams from each conference who've failed to meet expectations above the rest. 

Atlanta Falcons 

Entering the 2023 campaign, the Falcons were a dark horse to win a seemingly up-for-grabs NFC South. However, not only have they played poorly over the first half of their schedule, they might be going backward. 

Despite the promise of second-year QB Desmond Ridder and significant improvements on the defensive side of the ball with the signings of safety Jessie Bates III, defensive end Calais Campbell and edge rusher Bud Dupree, the Falcons are 3-6 heading into Week 11. Even more alarming, the Falcons are where they are having faced only four playoff teams from a season ago through 10 games. 

Since starting the season with two consecutive wins over the Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers, the Falcons are just 2-6 and have lost three straight heading into their bye week. 

Meanwhile, Ridder wasn't impressive through eight starts and eventually lost his starting spot, benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. Among QBs who've started at least six games this season, only Jets' Zach Wilson (five) has thrown fewer touchdown passes than Ridder (six).

Uncertainty at QB is only one of the issues that ail a Falcons team that seemingly lacks an identity and direction. However, there is a glimmer of hope for this season. The Falcons have one of the easiest schedules remaining in the NFL, though that didn't help them at the start of the season, entering the year with the second-easiest strength of schedule, per Pro Football Focus. 

Buffalo Bills 

Out of the four teams on this list, the Bills may be the most disappointing of the bunch. The Bills were not only the favorite to win the AFC East, but many believed they'd represent the conference for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, like Peter King of NBC Sports.  

Throughout the season, the Bills have been wildly inconsistent and the definition of a talented team that simply doesn't know how to win. The Bills rank eighth in the NFL in points (262) and fifth in points against (184), but when up against it, they've come up small. Seven of Buffalo's 10 games have been decided by a score or less, with the Bills winning only two. 

After opening the year with an overtime loss to the New York Jets, the Bills looked like the team we all expected, recording three-straight blowout victories over the Las Vegas Raiders (38-10), Washington Commanders (37-3) and Miami Dolphins (48-20). 

However, since then, the Bills have lost four of their last six games by an average of four points per game. The Bills may boast a skill-filled roster, but they've found ways to beat themselves at every turn. 

Following another sloppy effort in a 24-22 Week 10 loss to the suddenly dangerous Denver Broncos, the Bills made a drastic move to shake things up. The Bills decided to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey even though the team ranks in the top ten in third down conversion percentage (second), red zone touchdown percentage (second), yards per play (fourth), yards per rush (fifth), total QBR (sixth) and points per game (eighth). Maybe the move inspires a second-half turnaround, but if not, more change for the franchise might be in store. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

After trips to the Super Bowl and the conference championship game in consecutive seasons, the Bengals were a popular choice to come out of the AFC. Yet, it's been tough sailing for the Bengals, who, despite a recent four-game win streak, find themselves looking up at the rest of the AFC North at 5-4 heading into Week 11. 

Led by QB Joe Burrow, the Bengals offense has struggled mightily to find a rhythm, ranked 24th in the NFL in yards per play (4.9), 29th in passing (8.8 YPC) and 28th in rushing (3.6). Meanwhile, Cincinnati's defense hasn't fared much better, allowing opponents to gain 6.4 yards per play, 31st in the league. 

The Bengals did go on the aforementioned four-game win streak following a 1-3 start, which included wins over the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. However, the issues plaguing the Bengals have seemingly yet to be resolved. 

In Week 10, they lost to rookie QB sensation C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, 30-27. The Bengals allowed the 28th-ranked Texans rushing attack to run for 188 yards while giving up 356 yards through the air. 

With eight games left on their schedule, the Bengals must quickly figure out who they are. Their remaining opponents are 43-23 combined, including matchups against the Baltimore Ravens, whom they've already lost to, the Cleveland Browns (6-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3), defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and two contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3). 

If they can't find a way to turn their fortunes around, they could be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture before the season reaches Week 18.

New York Giants 

While not universally panned as a contender in the NFC, many believed the Giants would at least push for a playoff berth coming out of the NFC East. However, not only is the postseason a pipe dream at 2-8 entering Week 11, but a bright future doesn't appear to be on the horizon. 

Before suffering a torn ACL, Daniel Jones looked far from being a franchise quarterback to build around. Nevertheless, they're stuck with Jones through at least 2024 ($36M guaranteed) after inking him to a four-year, $160M extension. Also, they might have to use the franchise tag to keep star running back Saquon Barkley, who will hit the open market again this offseason. 

On top of those issues, head coach Brian Daboll is seemingly on the brink of losing his team as frustration builds. During the Giants 49-17 blowout loss to the rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 10, several animated conversations broke out between players, coaches and Daboll, signaling that not all is right in New York. 

In 2022, all but one of the Giants wins came by eight points or less, while they're 2-2-1 in the same situation this season. They've also struggled on both sides of the football, ranked 32nd in offense (118 PF) and 29th in defense (226 PA). 

Heading into Week 11, the Giants have lost three in a row and seven of their last nine while only the Carolina Panthers (1-8) have a worse record in the NFL. However, the Giants don't appear ready to make changes. They're reportedly preparing to bring the whole gang back, Daboll and Jones included, for 2024, per insider Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.