24. Denver Broncos
(5-9. Last week: 22)
The Broncos officially were eliminated from the playoffs and even a chance at a .500 finish with Sunday’s 23-3 loss to Kansas City. But the real story of the game for the Broncos was the play of rookie quarterback Drew Lock. He previously had some bright moments, and some observers thought he was ready to take over as Denver’s first true franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning. But fans who believe Lock is the definitive answer need to curb their enthusiasm. Against Kansas City, Lock completed just 18 of 40 passes for 208 yards with an interception. The jury remains out on Lock.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
(5-9. Last week: 21)
The Chargers strengthened their case for most disappointing team in the league by committing seven turnovers in a 39-10 loss to Minnesota. It’s the first time the Chargers committed at least seven turnovers in a game since 1998 when they had eight against the Seahawks. There’s no way you can commit seven turnovers against a good team and win, and the Vikings are a good team. The Chargers are not. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers appears to be in steep decline. He threw three interceptions, and it looks unlikely that Rivers will be back next season. Back in the preseason, the Chargers were talked about as a potential Super Bowl contender. Now they’re staring at the reality of finishing below .500.
22. Arizona Cardinals
(4-9-1. Last week: 26)
With a 38-24 win against Cleveland, Arizona rookie quarterback Kyler Murray earned bragging rights over Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, his former teammate and fellow Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma. Although the Browns aren’t likely to reach the playoffs, this victory had some significance for the Cardinals. They beat a team with a better record. That’s a sign of progress, and that’s what this season is all about for rookie coach Kliff Kingsbury and Murray. The quarterback has had ups and downs, but you can see signs of growth each week. Sunday was another step in the right direction for Murray, who threw for 219 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 56 yards. The Cardinals can be a playoff contender next year if they put more talent around Murray during the offseason.
21. Atlanta Falcons
(5-9. Last week: 25)
The Falcons pulled off a huge upset and beat the 49ers on the last play of the game Sunday. Still, one nice road win doesn’t mean all that much when you factor in the rest of the season, which has been a major disappointment. Yes, the win did show that the players haven’t quit on Dan Quinn. That’s nice, but it doesn’t secure his job. Owner Arthur Blank wants to win a Super Bowl, and he’s not the most patient guy in the world. Mike Smith couldn’t survive two straight disappointing seasons, and I don’t think Quinn can either. But don’t look for Urban Meyer’s name to pop up in Atlanta. Blank was burned once by a college coach in Bobby Petrino, and his other previous moves suggest he’ll go with a rising NFL coordinator.
20. Cleveland Browns
(6-8. Last week: 20)
Remember back in the preseason when there was so much optimism about the Browns? That was a long time ago, and things have changed in a bad way. The Browns are guaranteed they’ll finish no better than .500 after Sunday’s 38-24 loss to Arizona. Head coach Freddie Kitchens abandoned Nick Chubb and the running game too early. Is Kitchens on the hot seat? Generally, a coach that wins at least six games in his first year is safe. But this situation could be different, because the expectations were so high and because Kitchens has made some highly questionable moves. There’s a chance Kitchens could be one and done in Cleveland.
19. Indianapolis Colts
(6-8. Last week: 18)
The Colts came into Monday night’s game against New Orleans clinging to slight playoff hopes. After getting crushed by the Saints and Drew Brees, the Colts are officially eliminated from the postseason. They were completely manhandled by the Saints. Would the season had gone differently if quarterback Andrew Luck hadn’t retired in the preseason? Probably not. Jacoby Brissett took over and did an adequate job for a team that’s been decimated by injuries. Now, the Colts need to start looking ahead to next season. They need to get Brissett more help at the wide receiver position and find a pass-rusher or two on defense.
18. Oakland Raiders
(6-8. Last week: 15)
The Raiders blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter on Sunday and lost their last game in Oakland before moving to Las Vegas next season. It was a sad moment for Oakland fans, who have been some of the most dedicated in the league. After a 6-4 start, those fans have now endured four consecutive losses. Head coach Jon Gruden has endured two disappointing seasons since signing a 10-year, $100 million contract. But he has a good relationship with quarterback Derek Carr — a luxury Gruden hasn’t had since he was coaching Rich Gannon — and the Raiders have some other good parts in place. Gruden now gets another honeymoon period in Las Vegas.
17. Chicago Bears
(7-7. Last week: 14)
The Bears have been eliminated from the postseason. Chalk that up as a disappointing season that started with great hopes after last year’s 12-4 record. In many ways, Sunday’s loss to Green Bay was the story of the Bears’ season. Like many other teams, the Packers challenged Chicago quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to beat them on his own. Trubisky put up some numbers — 334 yards passing and a touchdown — but he also threw two interceptions. Trubisky’s numbers were hollow. To put it bluntly, Trubisky prevented the Bears from making the postseason. Chicago has a good defense, but Trubisky dragged the entire team down. The Bears are likely to make some changes to their offensive coaching staff in the offseason.