Nearly every season, there’s a team that is going to seemingly coast into the playoffs before they are knocked off by a team that had nothing to play for. There are always a few teams in the NFL that, for whatever reason, only ever win games when they have nothing to gain and nothing to lose. This season, there are a handful of spoiler teams that are beginning to look very dangerous. These teams have long been eliminated from the playoff race, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a lasting impact on the season.
Arizona Cardinals
Danger Rating – 9
The Cardinals have now won 3 games in a row after starting an abysmal 3-7. They may not be playing for the playoffs anymore, but I’m sure they’d still like to get back to a respectable 8-8 record. To say that they’ve made progress recently would be an understatement, especially after knocking off the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Game To Watch – Week 16, ARI @ CIN
Philadelphia Eagles
Danger Rating – 8
The Eagles have lost far more games than anyone thought was possible going into the season, but they aren’t likely to go down quietly. At 5-8, it’s still possible for them to make it back to the .500 mark, but they’ll need to eliminate senseless mistakes to do so. That being said, they’re still one of the most talented teams in the league, and I can’t imagine any playoff bound team hoping to play them before the end of the season.
Games To Watch – Week 15, NYJ @ PHI; Week 16, PHI @ DAL
San Diego Chargers
Danger Rating – 7
The Chargers have had one of the most confusing years I can ever remember any team having. To put it lightly, they should be winning their division with no problems, but they’ve had trouble finding ways to win games. With that said, Philip Rivers is still a great quarterback, despite the season he’s been having, and Norv Turner didn’t suddenly lose his football intelligence. While it’s still technically possible for the Chargers to find themselves in the playoffs, it’s extremely unlikely. It’s not unlikely for them to effect other teams that are fighting for playoff spots, however.
Games To Watch – Week 15, BAL @ SD; Week 16, SD @ DET; Week 17, SD @ OAK
Jacksonville Jaguars
Danger Rating – 6
The Jaguars wouldn’t have made this list if it wasn’t for their 41-14 butt-kicking they handed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Blaine Gabbert has had a rough season, but he showed some tangible progress on Sunday. Marcedes Lewis is finally getting up to speed as an elite tight end after starting the season very slowly, and Maurice Jones-Drew is the league’s leading rusher. On top of that, their beat up defense is still playing great. The Jaguars have lost a lot of close games, but they’re still playing hard for their new interim coach, and you can bet that they’d love to see MJD win this season’s rushing title.
Games To Watch – Week 15, JAC @ ATL; Week 16, JAC @ TEN
