Worst Team in NFL Isn't the New York Jets, per ESPN's FPI

ESPN released its new Football Power Index (FPI) this week and revealed the worst team in the NFL isn’t the New York Jets, but does hail from the AFC.

What is ESPN’s FPI?

“FPI’s preseason predictive ratings are primarily based on win totals from the betting market in conjunction with each team’s schedule — along with factors such as the difference between a team’s starting and backup quarterback and a special teams rating that incorporates specific kickers,” it explains.

The new ranking has the Miami Dolphins as the bottom-feeder in the NFL, but has two other AFC teams close behind in the Jets and Cleveland Browns.

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“For some teams, it’s a race to the bottom. And before the season begins, it’s the Dolphins who are ‘winning.’ FPI has the Dolphins — who are starting fresh with a new head coach (Jeff Hafley), GM (Jon-Eric Sullivan) and quarterback (Malik Willis) — as the worst team in football, just barely edging out the Jets,” ESPN explained.

On top of being the worst team, the Dolphins face the thrid-hardest schedule and the Jets face the sixth easiest. As a result Miami has a 20.1% chance to earn the No. 1 pick, while New York is at 17.1%.

The Cardinals and Browns follow behind at 15.3% and 12.8%, respectively.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 8:05 AM.