The Most Disappointing NFL Teams

1. San Diego Chargers: If you mull over the San Diego Chargers team numbers, it is hard to believe that they sit in 3rd place in their divisional race. Despite being ranked in the top 10 in the offensive categories of yards per game, passing yards per game, and points per game, the Chargers will need serious help to get into the playoffs. The Chargers, who usually start slow and heat up in November, did the opposite of that this season. They started off the season hot with a 4-1 record, but then they went on a 6 game losing streak to fall to 4-7. One of the main problems for the Chargers during their skid was Phillip River's turnover issue. In just the Chargers first 10 games, he had 17 interceptions including 10 picks in their 6 game losing streak. To put that in perspective, in the last two seasons combined Aaron Rodgers has thrown 17 interceptions, while Rivers threw 17 picks in a 10 game span this year. With Anotnio Gates declining in his 9th year in the league and having his worst season since his rookie year in 2003 and Malcom Floyd missing some time with a hip injury, Rivers has often forced way too many balls to Vincent Jackson. If the Chargers don't make the playoffs, it will be the first time since 2002 and 2003 that the Chargers failed to make the playoffs in two consecutive seasons.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: After the NFLPA and the owners agreed to a deal to end the lockout, the talk of the offseason was the Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds, who won the NFC East in 2010, made a huge splash in free agency by spending a ton of money. They signed quarterback Vince Young, running back Ronnie Brown, defensive end Jason Babin, defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins, and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, while they also traded for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Vince Young went as far as saying that his new team was a "Dream Team." However, the so called "Dream Team" has not lived up to the hype. The Eagles began the season 1-4 and after a week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Birds were sitting at 4-8. Michael Vick has been banged up all season long with a rib injury and their defense has been very susceptible to the run. DeSean Jackson is also having the worst season of his young career, as talks about his contract are continuing to swirl around Philly. Despite the Eagles last two victories to improve to 6-8, they will still need two victories and a Giants loss to the Jets and then a Giants victory over the Cowboys in week 17 to make the playoffs.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In 2009, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 3-13 and had their worst season since they went 2-14 in 1986. However, last year they were one of the pleasant surprises of the NFL, as they increased their win total by 7 games and had an impressive 10-6 year. Following their solid 2010 season, the Buccaneers have been one of the biggest disappointments this season in the NFL. A big reason for their struggles has been the very poor play of their defensive unit. They rank 2nd to last in points allowed per game at 28.6 and third to last in rushing yards allowed per game at 141.1. They have only held one opponent all season to less than 17 points and they have not held an opponent to less than 24 points in their current 8 game losing streak, as their opponents are averaging 32 points per game in this 8 game skid. Josh Freeman has also experienced a huge problem with turnovers. After throwing just 6 interceptions last year, Freeman has already thrown 18 interceptions, which is tied for the most in the NFC with Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman. In the Buccaneers current 8 game losing streak, Freeman has thrown 12 interceptions including a four pick game against the Bears and a three pick game against the Texans.