With the First Pick 4.0: Another Cardinals loss

It has been mentioned that this Arizona Cardinals roster is just a few pieces away from being a playoff contender.

Apparently, those media folks haven’t seen any actual games. “On paper” isn’t a reality.

Cardinals’ fans know all too well what is happening. Double-digit loss seasons don’t lie. This team is bad in so many departments. There will be plenty of fixes coming out of free agency and next April’s NFL draft, but it won’t fix all the issues.

Quarterback remains uncertain. Special teams haven’t been special all year. The offensive line is a mess. Run game without a feature back is a roller coaster. The receiver group has been great at times, then hurt. And the defense has finally given up, apparently.

At three wins, they are on the cusp of getting the first overall pick in next April’s NFL draft. Where do they sit now?

If the season were to end today, here are the standings from the bottom upwards:

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#32, Pick #1

New York Football Giants 2-12-0

Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Commanders 29-21

Winnable opponents remaining: Vikings, Raiders, Cowboys

Ranking last week: 32 (unchanged)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .345

#31, Pick #2

Las Vegas Raiders 2-12-0

Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Eagles 31-0

Winnable opponents remaining: Giants

Ranking last week: 31 (unchanged)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .405

#30, Pick #3

Tennessee Titans 2-12-0

Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost 49ers 37-24

Winnable opponents remaining: Saints, maybe Chiefs

Ranking last week: 30 (unchanged)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .476

#29, Pick #4

Cleveland Browns 3-11-0

Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Lost Bears 31-3

Winnable opponents remaining: Bengals, maybe Steelers

Ranking last week: 28 (up 1)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .512

#28, Pick #5

New York Jets 3-11-0

Last five games: 3-2. Last game: Beat Falcons 27-24

Winnable opponents remaining: Dolphins, Saints, maybe Jaguars

Ranking last week: 26 (up 2)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .595

#27, Pick #6

Arizona Cardinals 3-11-0

Last five games: 0-5. Last game: Lost Texans 40-20

Winnable opponents remaining: Falcons, Bengals

Ranking last week: 25 (up 2)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .476

#26, Pick #7

New Orleans Saints 4-10-0

Last five games: 3-2. Last game: Beat Panthers 20-17

Winnable opponents remaining: Jets, Titans, Falcons

Ranking last week: 28 (down 2)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .238 (easiest)

#25, Pick #8

Washington Commanders 4-10-0

Last five games: 1-4. Last game: Beat Giants 29-21

Winnable opponents remaining: Cowboys

Ranking last week: 27 (down 2)

Strength of Schedule remaining: .583