Through three weeks of the 2026 NFL Season, the NFL has largely been shaping up as expected, but that does not mean there haven't been surprises thus far. Week to week, this league can change, and we have seen that play out across September.
In the coming weeks, as midseason approaches, we'll begin to see teams crumble down into the cellar or begin to give their record some breathing room. We'll also see that NFL middle class settle in as well.
And even with the league typically featuring many of the same faces as the best and worst teams, that does not mean there aren't surprises. In fact, there are some teams that have unexpectedly disappointed big-time thus far. Let's rank those teams here based on how badly they've let us down.
New England Patriots top list of the league's most disappointing teams thus far
6. Dallas Cowboys, 1-2
The Dallas Cowboys defense still appears to be bad, folks. It's a shame, as the unit went under a rather significant makeover this offseason, which was highlighted by hiring Christian Parker as the defensive coordinator.
Dallas' defense again seems poorly coached and simply not prepared, as they essentially gifted the Baltimore Ravens the win in Week 3 due to a late-series lapse in coverage. Through three weeks, the Cowboys honestly feel like the same team they were for much of the 2025 season, and last year ended in no playoffs.
Unless an aggressive change happens in the coming weeks, the Cowboys are going to get buried in an NFC that is hugely competitive.
5. Green Bay Packers, 1-2
Another disappointing team has been the Green Bay Packers, but this team is dealing with an insane amount of injuries, especially along the offensive line. They got blown out by the Atlanta Falcons at home in Week 3, which doesn't feel like a real thing. For years now, the Packers have existed as a competent, winning franchise, but that's far from how they've played this year.
Now 1-2 with no help in sight, the Packers could easily fall further down the NFC North cellar, as the Minnesota Vikings are 3-0, and the Detroit Lions are 2-1 and can at least hang a ton of points on opposing defenses.
The Packers just don't do much of anything well right now and are a team that would struggle to hit six or seven wins this year if the plan doesn't improve starting next week. Green Bay comes in at No. 5 in our power rankings of most disappointing teams through three weeks.
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