The 2025 season appears that double-digit losses will become a reality.
And now that five games are remaining on the schedule, after last weekend’s loss to Tampa Bay, the league eliminated the Arizona Cardinals from any playoff contention.
RELATED: IS THERE ANY CONFIDENCE LEFT?
In the Christmas cartoon “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the toys on the Island of Misfit Toys realize that Santa Claus isn’t coming for them again this year.
On another Christmas Eve, the toys huddle around a fire with the ground saturated with a blanket of snow. One toy state he is going to bed to dream about next year. The Charlie in the Box says he doesn’t have any dreams left. The Cardinals fan utters that dreams are for suckers.
Yes, another Arizona Cardinals season is down the tubes. Another jacket purchase ruined. Yet another t-shirt bought on the premise of showing allegiance. More money out for season tickets, and now nobody wants or cares about. Two more home games to cheer on for what? Yeah – go Cardinals?
And no refunds. Another bummer.
Every team in the NFC West Division appears angling for a playoff berth. Three out of four teams just might become a thing now. This was supposed to be the Cardinals’ year. Year 3 of the three-year plan, right?
New goal and new vision: Getting the Number 1 overall spot in the April NFL draft. Can the Cardinals become the worst team in the league this year, and then have first choice of any blue-chip athlete in the draft?
If the season were to end today, here are the standings from the bottom upwards:
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Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Jaguars 25-3
Winnable opponents remaining: Browns, Saints, maybe Jaguars
Ranking last week: 32 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .459
New York Football Giants 2-11-0
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Patriots 33-15
Winnable opponents remaining: Commanders, Vikings, Raiders, maybe Cowboys
Ranking last week: 31 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .323
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New Orleans Saints 2-10-0
Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost Dolphins 21-17
Winnable opponents remaining: Jets, Titans, Falcons, maybe Panthers
Ranking last week: 30 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .361
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Chargers 31-14
Winnable opponents remaining: Giants
Ranking last week: 28 (up 1)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .541
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Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost 49ers 26-8
Winnable opponents remaining: Titans, Bengals, maybe Steelers
Ranking last week: 27 (up 1)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .467
Washington Commanders 3-9-0
Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Broncos 27-26
Winnable opponents remaining: Vikings, Giants, maybe Cowboys
Ranking last week: 26 (up 1)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .467
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Last five games: 3-2. Last game: Beat Falcons 27-24
Winnable opponents remaining: Dolphins, Saints, maybe Jaguars
Ranking last week: 29 (down 3)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .557
Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost Buccaneers 20-17
Winnable opponents remaining: Falcons, Bengals, maybe Texans
Ranking last week: 25 (unchanged)
Strength of Schedule remaining: .550