The Cincinnati Bengals are in an enviable position. They won a game in Week 13, downing the New York Jets, and still are in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Andy Dalton & Co. had better watch their success rate over the last four games or they could fritter away a good thing.
11. Denver (4-8)
The Broncos played a thriller with the Chargers and the victory drops them into the 11th slot despite being tied with the Jets and Chargers in record. Denver’s strength of schedule puts it behind New York and Los Angeles when it comes to draft slots.
10. Los Angeles Chargers (4-8)
Talk about a team with no luck. The Bolts are 4-8 and every loss has been seven points or less. That’s brutal and it also speaks to not being able to close. They didn’t think they would be tied with the Broncos at 4-8. They did think they would be tied with Denver and heading to OT Sunday. However, a pass interference penalty set up Brandon McManus, who added to the Chargers’ tough defeats in 2019.
9. New York Jets (4-8)
The Jets were on a three-game roll and then got blitzed by the Bengals. They’ve done enough to ruin their chances of getting an extremely high draft pick. The rest of the season is rugged as they face the Dolphins, Ravens, Steelers and Bills. If they can’t top Miami, they could find themselves finishing 4-12 and that would escalate their draft position.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)
Jacksonville won’t be taking a quarterback wherever it lands in the draft. The team is inconsistent as best evidenced by getting crunched at home by Tampa Bay in an in-state battle in Week 13. Tom Coughlin won’t commit to returning. Doug Marrone likely won’t have a choice in his future.
7. Arizona Cardinals (3-8-1)
There has been a lot of talk about the progress Kyler Murray and the Cardinals have made. They took many steps back against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13. There always was going to be a long road for the team that had the No. 1 overall pick in 2019. Plenty of mountains to climb for the team in the desert.
6. Detroit Lions (3-8-1)
Matt Patricia’s Lions are making a strong run … in the wrong direction. They have lost five in a row and the way they are playing moving up in the draft order feels like a major possibility. The Vikings, Bucs, Broncos and Packers stand in their way of a top five draft hope.
5. Atlanta Falcons (3-9)
Atlanta seems set to fight for a higher draft pick. The Falcons crawled from 1-7 to 3-7 and suddenly found their way back to 3-9 with losses to the Bucs and Saints. A high draft pick is likely in order. However, Dan Quinn probably won’t benefit from it because he seems to be on the firing line.
4. Miami Dolphins (3-9)
Like Washington, Miami suddenly has caught that winning feeling. The Dolphins are 3-9 after surprising Philadelphia. The offense has come to life and all it needs is some help from the defense to move forward … in the standings. Miami has total control of its draft destiny. The next three opponents are the Jets, Giants and Bengals before finishing the season against New England.
3. Washington Redskins (3-9)
Washington is in the third slot after winning its third game of the season. Next week should help Washington get back in its drive to remain in the top five as it journeys to Green Bay. The final three games of the season find Washington playing its NFC East foes once, respectively.
2. New York Giants (2-10)
The New York Giants are in position to menace for the No. 1 pick. They have lost eight straight and don’t appear likely to win again. Opponents have gone over the 30-point mark in five of the last seven games. Chase Young, anyone? They play the faltering Eagles twice and also have draft position games with Miami and Washington the schedule.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (1-11)
The Bengals are in control of their destiny. Lose four games to finish the season and they keep the No. 1 pick. What’s in store for Cincy? The Patriots, Browns, Dolphins and a rematch with Cleveland. Could be difficult staying on the bottom to come out on top.
