As the 2024 NFL season approaches, football fans are not only speculating about which teams will dominate the league, but also which teams will struggle and potentially land the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The quest for this top pick highlights the stark contrast between the league's powerhouse teams and those at the bottom, who face a challenging road to playoff contention. While some teams near the bottom may surprise with late-season playoff runs, others are already setting their sights on the 2025 draft class. Here are five teams that could find themselves among the worst in the NFL and in contention for that No. 1 pick.

The first team to watch is the Las Vegas Raiders. Although their defense boasts a formidable duo in Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby, the team's offense raises concerns, particularly at the quarterback position. With Gardner Minshew as the starter, questions arise about his ability to lead a successful offensive campaign. While the team has talented receivers in Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, as well as rookie tight end Brock Bowers, their success hinges on the quarterback's ability to connect with them. Additionally, the offensive coordinator's effectiveness is also a cause for concern, making the Raiders a potential candidate for a high draft pick in 2025.

Next up are the New York Giants, whose offensive struggles have been a recurring theme. Their offensive line has failed to adequately protect quarterback Daniel Jones, and the team has lacked consistency in both the passing and running game. Jones has shown hesitance and limited success in throwing deep passes, resulting in a high interception rate. The receiving corps, aside from rookie Malik Nabers, lacks standout players and has a surplus of slot receivers. With these challenges on offense, the Giants could find themselves in the running for the top pick in 2025.

Despite the Carolina Panthers' long-term goals, their immediate prospects remain uncertain in a highly competitive NFC. Trading EDGE Brian Burns raises concerns about the team's ability to generate sufficient pressure on defense. While defensive tackle Derrick Brown shows promise, the lack of a dominant edge rusher could be a significant handicap. On the offensive side, the Panthers have made improvements but still face questions about the consistency of their receiving corps. While Diontae Johnson is expected to make an impact, concerns linger about the team's offensive firepower. Unless they can address these issues, the Panthers might struggle to win games, potentially leading to a high draft pick in 2025.

The New England Patriots have long been known for their strong defense, and despite some adjustments, their defensive prowess remains intact. However, their offensive line has been a weak point, hindering pass protection and limiting the offense's potential. The lackluster performance of the wide receiver room, coupled with a rookie quarterback, further dampens expectations for offensive success. With Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback, the team could turn to rookie QB Drake Maye as the season progresses, but it may be too late to salvage their prospects and could result in a focus on the 2025 draft.

Lastly, the Washington Commanders face challenges on both sides of the ball. Their offensive line lacks stability, especially with rookie Brandon Coleman potentially taking on a starting role at left tackle. The middle of the offensive line also has question marks, and protecting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels could prove difficult. Furthermore, the team's offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, raises doubts about their offensive strategy. Defensively, the secondary is a concern, while the decision to play linebacker Jamin Davis at the edge position may hinder their overall effectiveness. With these obstacles, the Commanders could find themselves struggling and potentially looking towards the 2025 draft for solutions.

In the competitive landscape of the NFL, these five teams face significant challenges that could place them among the worst in the league, vying for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. With various issues ranging from offensive struggles to defensive deficiencies and coaching concerns, these teams will need to overcome significant obstacles to have a successful season. As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on them to see if they can turn their fortunes around or if they will be focused on securing a top pick in the future.