INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 20: A view of an NFL Shield logo on the field before a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
December is winning time in the NFL, and these 5 teams failed to do it when they needed to, costing them playoff seeding or possibly not making it at all.
Los Angeles Chargers:
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
This was the first game this season that the Chargers really looked outmatched and downright bad. They are still clinging to the no.7 seed and realistically make it to the playoffs, but losing 40-17 in December is not a great way to head into January.
Miami Dolphins:
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 5: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of Miami Dolphins looks on during the NFL match between Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs at Deutsche Bank Park on November 5, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Miami had another tough loss, losing to the Texans 20-12. For such a vaunted offensive attack with so many weapons, too often this year, the Dolphins have looked out of sorts. With less than a 10% chance of getting to the postseason, Mike McDaniels’s job could be in jeopardy…maybe Bill Belichick jumped at the North Carolina job too soon.
Indianapolis Colts:
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
With the Chargers losing, the Colts loss to the Broncos wasn’t season-ending. They are still in the eighth spot in the AFC, with a 10% chance of making the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 9: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the preseason game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The Steelers lost to a better team. The Eagles are looking more and more like a team heading to the Super Bowl. They easily dispatched the Steelers 27-13.
Seattle Seahawks:
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 12: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
With the loss to the Packers, the Seahawks not only lost their grip on the NFC West division lead, they now find themselves outside of the playoff picture with the no.8 seed. Their playoff chances are down to 36%.
