D&D 5E What monsters in 5e overshoot or undershoot their CR?

[S'mon]

In general, all the 5e low level common baddies need to be a little tougher.

I find hobgoblins are extremely dangerous due to their d8+1+2d6 damage and AC 18. Not really useable at 1st level. Whereas the things useable at 1st - mostly NPCs like Bandit - soon feel very weak. But hobgoblins work great vs 5th level PCs; running Red Hand of Doom 5e right now!

 

[Nebulous]

I find hobgoblins are extremely dangerous due to their d8+1+2d6 damage and AC 18. Not really useable at 1st level. Whereas the things useable at 1st - mostly NPCs like Bandit - soon feel very weak. But hobgoblins work great vs 5th level PCs; running Red Hand of Doom 5e right now!

yeah, the damage bonus and high AC offsets their low hit points. Red Hand of Doom was such a great module. I never ran it, but it was one of the best from the 3e era and certainly would make a great 5e adventure.