If everything we thought about NFL teams before the season was true, there would be no point in playing the games.
Once again this season, several teams who most had expected to be powerhouses - or at least very competitive clubs - have not lived up to the hype.
Here are the five teams that have disappointed us the most through five weeks:
5. Chargers (1-4)
The AFC West is the toughest division in football, but the Chargers didn't give themselves much of a chance after a somewhat optimistic offseason. Losing their first four games by an average of 5.25 points each, Los Angeles' newest team has shown that its roster is not drastically weaker than its opponents. The team's execution, however, has been wildly disappointing.
4. Steelers (3-2)
Yes, the Steelers still have a winning record, but just barely. An embarrassing blowout loss to the Jaguars on Sunday paired with their overtime loss to the Bears in Week 3 has shown that the Steelers, who were projected as a top-three AFC team, are very susceptible to losing. Pittsburgh's offense was expected to put on a show every week, but without a 30-point output through five weeks, something needs to change.
3. Titans (2-3)
It's tough to say the Titans' most recent two losses are a true indication of their talent level as Marcus Mariota left Week 4 with a hamstring injury, but the quarterback isn't the whole team. Offseason additions to Tennessee's defense have not paid off as the team has allowed an average of 28.4 points per game through five games, giving up a total of 94 points to division opponents over two contests.
2. Raiders (2-3)
Maybe everyone jumped the gun on the Raiders being good again, or maybe they just bought in to their own hype too much. Either way, this is not the black and silver team we were expecting. The Raiders' Week 1 win over the Titans doesn't look nearly as impressive after the Texans and Jaguars thrashed Tennessee, and consecutive 10-point performances against the Redskins and Broncos is not acceptable with the weapons they have on the roster.
1. Giants (0-5)
This was supposed to be the best offense Eli Manning has ever had to work with, having Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard, and first-rounder Evan Engram to target. The offensive line, or lack thereof, has had other plans though. The weak blocking unit has essentially sabotaged every game the Giants have had, making it impossible for Manning to read the field, running backs to gain yards, or the team winning a game. With injuries suffered by Beckham, Marshall, and Shepard on Sunday, hope is dwindling even more.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)
