The Carolina Panthers posted the league’s worst record during the 2023 regular season at 2-15. Even more unfortunately for them, the Chicago Bears owned their first-round draft pick, one they utilized on quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall.
With NFL training camps approximately three weeks away, it’s time to look ahead to some never-too-early candidates to own the league’s worst record in 2024. Various rebuilding franchises are in danger of owning the first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
BetOnline’s NFL futures prop betting landscape for the worst record during the 2024 campaign has taken shape. A lackluster season awaits several teams. The top 10 betting options shake out as follows:
New England Patriots (+350)
Carolina Panthers (+550)
Denver Broncos (+600)
Tennessee Titans (+800)
New York Giants (+1000)
Washington Commanders (+1100)
Las Vegas Raiders (+1200)
Minnesota Vikings (+1200)
Arizona Cardinals (+1600)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2000)
THE FAVORITE AND MY PICK: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots tied for the league's second-worst record last season at 4-13 and it's tough to argue they've gotten better this offseason. Parting ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick was an appropriate decision, but replacing him with the debutant Jerod Mayo leaves room for unknown.
The quarterback situation is also concerning. The Patriots drafted Drake Maye at No. 3 overall, but the current expectation is that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett will begin the campaign as the starter. Furthermore, the wide receiver room lacks a clear-cut dominant option, and the offensive line may feature two rookie starters in Layden Robinson and Caedan Wallace.
The Patriots are officially rebuilding and they will likely welcome a difficult season in 2024.
THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: CAROLINA PANTHERS
The 2-15 Panthers were truly abysmal throughout last season. So much so that they relieved head coach Frank Reich of his duties 11 games (1-10) into a four-year contract. The impending 2024 campaign represents a much-needed fresh start for Carolina's franchise.
The Panthers hired another offensive-minded head coach in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Canales did an excellent job reviving Baker Mayfield's career in Tampa last season. He'll now attempt to do the same for sophomore No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, who failed to meet expectations as a rookie.
AN UNDERRATED CANDIDATE: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Color me surprised to find the Raiders available with just the seventh-best odds at +1200. They're personally in my top three candidates for squads that could clinch the No. 1 overall selection. BetOnline's oddsmakers likely view head coach Antonio Pierce as a stabilizing figure after he secured an impressive 5-4 record as the interim leader throughout 2023.
Last season's success guarantees Pierce nothing in 2024. The quarterback situation is bothersome after the Raiders stayed pat at No. 13 overall, failing to move up for one of the six quarterbacks drafted ahead of them. That means it'll be bridge-type solutions Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell this season. Bellcow Josh Jacobs is no longer present at running back, with a lackluster trio of Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Dylan Laube tasked with replacing him.
This Raiders roster is littered with holes and question marks.
