The 2008 NFL is one of the better ones in my memory. Certainly better than last year, and probably the best since 2001. The stories of bad teams rising to the occasion, a star quarterback coming back to play and another one missing the year, a backup who hasn't started since high school on his way to making millions via free agency, coaches being fired at a record pace, and a couple quarterbacks on their way to 5000 yards passing are just some of the stories to the NFL season. There seems to be another story that could be in the making when the season comes to a close. Currently there are 5 NFL teams with 2 wins or fewer and with just 5 games left in the season there is the possibility that a 5 teams could finish 2-14 or worse. The reason for the futility is a lot of things, bad play, injuries, or just plain bad. Here are the 5 best of the worst in the NFL and what the last part of the season could hold.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1)
The Good: The Bengals have fought tough this year losing close games to both the Giants and the Cowboys. Even without star quarterback Carson Palmer the team has done their best to stick together and TJ Whoseyour Mama is on pace for another 1000 yard receiving campaign. Cecdric Benson has arrived as the team's current running back and has led the team in rushing each of the past 5 weeks.
The Bad: Carson Palmer may still try and play this season despite his elbow injury. It's amazing that the team hasn't shut the face of the franchise down to save him from playing this year. The team has already allowed 380 points this year and that number should continue to swell as the team faces Peyton Manning and Jason Campbell in the coming weeks.
The Ugly: The team looked putrid in a 27-10 loss last Thursday night against the Steelers and Ryan Fitzpatrick has just 6 touchdown passes this year. 8 interceptions and just 11 sacks are the other numbers that stick out on this terrible defense. The next 3 weeks should be tough with games against the Ravens, Colts, and Redskins but they finish the season with Cleveland and then Kansas City. They should be able to win at least 1 of their final 2 games, emphasize the word "if"
Prediction: 2-13-1
Detroit Lions (0-12)
The Good: Rookie Kevin Smith leads the team in rushing with 621 yards and 2nd year wide-out Calvin Johnson is having a breakout year with over 900 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns. That's an amazing figure considering the play at qb the Lions have had this year between Jon Kitna, Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Cullpepper, and anyone else that can throw a ball 2 yards.
The Bad: The team has only had 4 losses this season by 10 points or less and a couple of weeks ago gave up a 17-0 lead against Tampa Bay. Daunte Culpepper has been pulled in almost all of his starts and the team may be forced at some point to turn to former Michigan starter Drew Henson for relief. Coach Rod Marinelli hasn't given up hope on the season, but anyone that watched the thanksgiving loss to the Titans could say otherwise about the players.
The Ugly: The Lions are on the road 2 of their next 4 games and have never seen much success while under Marinelli. They host Minnesota and New Orleans, and will play at Indy and Green Bay. Their best chance to win some games was earlier in the season, but they couldn't even capitalize on that as they were blown out at San Francisco and lost a close game to Houston earlier in the year. Detroit will face Adrian Peterson,Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and the combo of Aaron Rodgers/Ryan Grant to close the season. If you thought 47-10 was bad, just wait.
Prediction: 0-16
Kansas City Chiefs (1-10)
The Good: KC won't have to invest millions upon millions in a new rookie quarterback come next April. 2nd year man Tyler Thigpen has shocked the NFL this season and gives Chiefs fans a reason for hope. The 24 year old has 13 touchdowns with 7 interceptions this year and was a fantasy favorite the past 3 weeks. Dwayne Bowe is working on another solid season as he has 70 catches and over 700 yards in his 2nd year starting. 3 of their past 4 games has been decided by 10 points or less and the Chiefs have played hard all season long.
The Bad: The team gave up a record of 54 points to the Bills last week and defensively have just 6 sacks. They are on pace to have the lowest sack total in NFL history. Former Chief Jared Allen has 8 sacks alone this year. Tony Gonzalez had hoped to be traded during the deadline, but that never came to fruition. Other quality Chief players may be looking to next year as well and hope they are on a different team. Herman Edwards could be on the hotseat if the team doesn't win a couple more games, and Carl Peterson could face the same as well.
The Ugly: The defense should continue to play horrible and running back Larry Johnson's NFL career is certainly on the downside. Johnson has just 565 yards rushing this season, and did I mention the defense? Herman Edwards has backed defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham despite the terrible play of the unit this year. They have given up 327 points and are on a 7 game losing streak despite Thigpen having solid outings the past month of this season.
Prediction: 2-14
Seattle Seahawks (2-10)
The Good: Matt Hasselback is finally healthy as he surpassed 200 yards in Thursday's 34-9 loss for the first time this season (throwing for a season-high 287 yards on 22-of-38 passing) after missing 5 games earlier this season. Julius Jones has given the running game a bit of a boost as he has over 600 rushing yards and is averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Seattle lost by 2,6, and 3 the past few games before the contest against Dallas. They are still playing hard and finally are becoming healthy.
The Bad: The team's only 2 victories have come against the Rams and 49ers, who have a combined 5 wins. It's Mike Holmgren's final season and looks to be his worst ever. Seattle's defense has given up 26 points or more 6 times this season and the offense has compensated by scoring just 216.
The Ugly: 3 of the team's final 4 games are against teams with 7 wins or more. Seattle is riding a 5 game losing streak and still has no capable receivers. Holmgren's final season with the team should be forgotten in a hurry.
Prediction: 3-13
St. Louis Rams (2-9)
The Good: Rookie wide-out Donnie Avery is having a solid season with 499 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year. The 2nd round draft choice out of Houston has done a solid job of replacing departed Isaac Bruce. Steven Jackson is finally healthy and will continue to give the Rams a boost for the rest of the year.
The Bad: St. Louis has scored just 147 points and is also riding a 5 game losing streak. Marc Bulger has been benched a number of times for aging Trent Green and the defense can't stop anyone (even giving up 35 to the 49ers).
The Ugly: The team seems to be worse off than when Scott Linehan was the head coach. The offense has done nothing and the team must be regretting the extension they gave Marc Bulger before the season began. The defense has given up 30+ points 7 times this year and of their final 5 games they face 3 teams with winning records. Jim Haslett may have lost a team that he has had for barely a full season.
Prediction: 2-14
