For fans of NFL teams that are currently under .500, it’s important to remember that it’s still September, after all, and that there are still 15 weeks remaining in the 2024 regular season.
There are currently 18 teams that have losing records entering Week 4, with three teams still in search of their first victory. But while things may look bleak now, there are several losing teams that have a legitimate chance at being one of the 14 teams that are still playing when the playoffs begin in January.
With that in mind, we decided to rank each of the NFL’s losing teams’ chances at making the playoffs. The list includes the defending NFC champion (49ers), the team that employs the NFL’s highest-paid player (Cowboys) and a team that hasn’t had a losing season since 2020 (Bengals).
It’s clear that the Ravens struggle to hold on to leads; they had to hang on in Dallas despite building a 28-6 cushion. This came a week after they blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter at home against the Raiders.
Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and Baltimore’s offense have been as good as advertised so far. The problem, though, is a defense that is among the league’s worst against both the run and the pass. Until that gets fixed, Baltimore’s playoff prospects are somewhat murky.
Like several other teams, injuries have done a number on the 49ers in the season’s first month. But if anyone can withstand injuries, it’s Kyle Shanahan’s team. The 49ers have immense depth that includes running back Jordan Mason and wideout Jauan Jennings, who have both stepped up recently. But the team cannot afford many more significant injuries from here on out.
Dallas’ defense has been atrocious so far this season after it was one of the league’s best under new Commanders coach Dan Quinn. It’s going to be a long year if this continues and Dak Prescott has to spend every fourth quarter playing catch up. Two…
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