The Indiana Fever’s season has taken a dramatic turn, and sports media across the country are finally saying out loud what fans have been whispering for weeks: without Caitlin Clark, the Fever have no chance.

The team’s struggles have been magnified in the latest WNBA power rankings, where the Fever plummeted down the list, sparking outrage from supporters and grim predictions from analysts who see little hope for a turnaround unless their rookie superstar returns to full strength.

When Clark first arrived in Indiana, the excitement was palpable. Tickets sold out, national broadcasts drew record numbers, and the Fever quickly became one of the most talked-about teams in the league.

But her absence, compounded by lingering injuries and fatigue, has exposed a harsh reality: the Fever lack depth, consistency, and offensive firepower without her presence on the floor. Media outlets that once hyped the team as playoff dark horses are now painting a very different picture, warning that Indiana is at risk of collapsing completely down the stretch.

Analysts point to the numbers as proof. With Clark on the floor, the Fever’s offensive rating sits among the league’s middle tier, showing flashes of growth and promise. Without her, however, the team ranks dead last in almost every offensive category. Turnovers spike, scoring opportunities dry up, and opposing defenses smother Indiana with ease. One insider bluntly put it: “Without Caitlin, this team doesn’t just struggle—they don’t stand a chance.”

The latest power rankings confirmed that reality, dropping Indiana several spots and raising questions about the front office’s roster decisions. While Aliyah Boston has shown flashes of dominance and veterans like Kelsey Mitchell continue to fight, the collective effort has not been enough.

Analysts argue that the Fever failed to build the right supporting cast around Clark, leaving her to shoulder an unrealistic burden when healthy and leaving the team completely vulnerable when she’s not.

Fans, meanwhile, are furious. Social media exploded after the rankings were released, with Fever faithful calling out ESPN, The Athletic, and other outlets for “disrespecting” the team. But even among the anger, there’s an uncomfortable acknowledgement that the criticism has merit.

“They’re not wrong,” one fan tweeted. “Without Caitlin, we can’t even compete. It hurts, but it’s true.” Others demanded accountability from management, suggesting the team’s reliance on a rookie to carry the franchise highlights deeper organizational flaws that need urgent fixing.

The situation has also fueled a broader debate about the WNBA’s competitive balance. Critics argue that the league’s heavy marketing and promotion of Clark has created a dangerous dependency on her presence, not only for Indiana but for the WNBA itself.

Television ratings dip when she doesn’t play, merchandise sales slow, and opposing arenas lose their buzz. In that sense, the Fever’s struggles are magnified because they represent more than just one team—they symbolize the league’s reliance on its brightest new star.

Still, some remain optimistic. Supporters point to the fact that Clark is expected to return sooner rather than later, and with her back in the lineup, Indiana could still make a push for respectability.

Stephanie White, the Fever’s head coach, has doubled down on her belief that the team can rally, insisting that adversity will “make them stronger in the long run.” But even her words have done little to quell the skepticism, with analysts firing back that effort and heart won’t matter without elite talent on the floor.

The power rankings fallout is just the latest reminder of the Fever’s precarious situation. They are simultaneously the most-watched team in the league and one of the least competitive without Clark—a paradox that has left fans both grateful for their rookie star and terrified of what the future holds if her health continues to waver.

For now, Indiana remains in survival mode, clinging to hope that Clark’s eventual return will spark another surge of momentum.

Whether that will be enough to salvage their season remains uncertain. But one thing is no longer in question: sports media across the board agree that the Fever’s fate lives and dies with Caitlin Clark. Without her, they’re simply not a contender—and the power rankings prove it.