21. Green Bay Packers (14)
The Packers are a real mess right now, losers of three straight—two straight against the terrible AFC South. It’s very odd to look at the standings and see the Packers below .500 after nine games. Something isn’t right, and now there are rumblings of a deteriorating relationship between Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. You’d figure McCarthy would be out the door before Rodgers, but it will be interesting to watch how it all plays out.
22. Carolina Panthers (15)
The Panthers had some momentum, and even held a double digit lead. But a last second loss to the Chiefs really put a damper in their plans to get back in the division race. The good news—both the Falcons and Saints lost. The Bucs did win, so they only lost ground to one of the three teams ahead of them. Still, it sure would have been a good time to hang on for a win and get back in the thick of things.
23. New Orleans Saints (18)
The Saints have now blown two last second opportunities to beat AFC West teams. All they had to do was kick the extra point. Instead they blow an opportunity to pull within a half game of Atlanta in the division race. Now they have a short turnaround and have to travel to Carolina.
24. Cincinnati Bengals (22)
Not sure which season is more disappointing—the Packers or the Bengals. It will be very hard for Andy Dalton to shake his first round playoff woes when he’s sitting on the couch. It’s not too late for a turnaround as they only have one more loss than the first place Ravens, but they need to get going now. There is no more time to screw around.