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As the season progresses, the playoff race begins to take shape. Teams will gradually begin to view themselves from the outside, trying to look in as the NFL rankings become clearer.
The NFL franchises that have already been knocked out of the postseason are listed below.
With three games left in the regular season, two AFC clubs and three NFC clubs are no longer in the running for the playoffs.
AFC
Houston Texans (1-12-1)
Denver Broncos (4-10)
NFC
Chicago Bears (3-11)
Arizona Cardinals (4-10)
Los Angeles Rams (4-10)
#1 - Houston Texans
This is the one nobody will be surprised about. Some even expected it'd have come earlier than it came.
The Houston Texans fell in the Divisional Round of the playoffs the last time they participated, in 2019. In their 21 years, they have made the postseason six times.
#2 - Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos had high expectations for the 2022 league season after acquiring Russell Wilson in the preseason. Unfortunately, the team's season has not gone well, with the Broncos struggling to win games. Due to their poor performance this season, they were no longer eligible for the playoffs as of Week 14, when it became unlikely that they would qualify.
#3 - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were another team with low expectations entering the season. Although the Bears have had moments of optimism this season thanks to standout players such as quarterback Justin Fields, they have consistently fallen short, resulting in a negative record that will keep them out of the playoffs.
#4 - Arizona Cardinals
After Week 15's 24-15 defeat to the Denver Broncos, the Arizona Cardinals, who were 4-10 into Week 15, were officially out of the postseason games.
The Cardinals have had a difficult season due to numerous injuries, most prominently to quarterback Kyler Murray. Additionally, the offense has experienced a weekly rotation of injury problems.
#5 - Los Angeles Rams (4-10)
The Los Angeles Rams' record dropped to 4-10 after their defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Monday, denying them the chance to defend their championship.
The Rams matched the 1999 Denver Broncos for the quickest exit of any reigning Super Bowl winner in history with three weeks left in the season.
The Rams have hardly resembled their Super Bowl-winning selves from a year ago as they have been hampered by injuries to key players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, and numerous more.
