Rams, Chargers and Colts: 6 biggest nfl disappointments at midseason

Rams Fall Short of Expectations

The Rams are 5-4, a record that leaves them looking like an ordinary team rather than the dominant force many expected. Their narrow win over Washington at Week 9 came despite facing a struggling opponent, and Los Angeles has been inconsistent against a relatively soft schedule.

Matthew Stafford has thrown nine interceptions and is projected to finish with 17, his highest total since 2021. He is on pace for 30 touchdown passes, 16 fewer than the previous year. The offense has suffered as Stafford has declined from his MVP-winning 2026 season.

Trent McDuffie has played well in the secondary, but the broader defense has improved only slightly in scoring. Los Angeles allows 20.1 points per game, compared with 20.4 in 2026. The Rams now face a fight for a wild-card place if San Francisco continues winning.

Herbert’s Troubling Regression

The Chargers are 0-8, and Justin Herbert’s season has been one of the most surprising disappointments. By Week 9, he had thrown 11 interceptions and was on pace for 24, more than his combined total from 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The report describes poor reads and deep passes thrown into opponents’ hands. Herbert had 58 career interceptions before 2026, averaging 9.6 per season, making this season’s turnover rate a sharp departure from his prior play.

Possible explanations include discomfort in Mike McDaniel’s offense or the pressure to throw his way back into games, but neither fully accounts for the change. The report calls Herbert’s season the most disappointing individual campaign so far.

Colts Begin a Difficult Rebuild

The Colts have opened the season 2-7 and are selling off their best players. The report says head coach Shane Steichen will be gone after the season, leaving the franchise to rebuild.

That task will come without a first-round draft pick, according to the report. Its discussion of the Colts ends there, without further details about the team’s plans or the players being moved.