12. Atlanta Falcons
Injuries have forced the Falcons into the "disappointment" category this season as well, but there's no question that this roster has some talent. And has Kirk Cousins found a little bit of a stride? Don't look now, but maybe. He might have another shot to put on a show for a starting gig somewhere else in 2026 with the Arizona Cardinals on tap for Week 16.
The Falcons might be on the cusp of a total rebuild as an organization. A very interesting offseason looms.
11. Dallas Cowboys
It's been an extremely disappointing finish to the season for the Dallas Cowboys, who have officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The Cowboys lost their 7th game last week and the Eagles won the division on Saturday night. Now, it's onto evaluation mode for the future.
All eyes will be on George Pickens and the defense over the next handful of weeks. The Cowboys view Pickens as a long-term option, but it seems like Matt Eberflus is going to be on the hot seat and let go after a disastrous year for that Dallas defense in 2025.
10. Minnesota Vikings
After getting memed by the entire NFL world as "Nine", JJ McCarthy has turned in a couple of solid performances in a row, and the Vikings are ready to play spoiler as the year goes along. The issue with the Vikings this year has been the health of their roster, as well as the inconsistency of the quarterback position, but they look like they'll be ready to bounce back in a big way next season.
They play the Giants in Week 16, and while the NFL world won't be tuning in at large, this is another critical game for the development of their young QB.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The NFC South is a complete mess, but for the time being, the Bucs are at the top of it all. We're going to get a great test for this team in Week 16 as the Bucs head on the road to face off against the Carolina Panthers, who are jockeying for position at the top of the division as well.
This is just not the same Bucs team that we saw early this season. They have been explosive and dynamic on offense, but they've also been sluggish and broken. What unit will show up when it matters most?