The dream of reaching the NFL playoffs is officially over for three franchises following a decisive Week 13 of the American football season. The Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans have all been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention after suffering defeats this weekend.
Week 13: A Brutal Sunday of Elimination
The final nails were hammered into the coffins of these teams' playoff hopes across a series of disappointing performances. For the Arizona Cardinals, a narrow 20-17 away loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sealed their fate. This result leaves them anchored to the bottom of the NFC West division with a dismal 3-9 record for the season.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints also saw their ambitions crumble with a 21-17 loss at the Miami Dolphins. This defeat ensures the Saints now prop up the NFC South, having managed only two wins from twelve outings with a 2-10 standing.
Titans' Miserable Season Hits New Low
Perhaps the most comprehensive loss was suffered by the Tennessee Titans. Playing at home, they were handed a humiliating 25-3 drubbing by the Jacksonville Jaguars. This performance solidifies their position as the basement boys of the AFC South and extends a miserable run of form, leaving them with a league-worst record of just one win and eleven losses (1-11).
The consequences are now clear for these three organisations. With playoff hopes extinguished, the focus for the remainder of the season will inevitably shift towards evaluation, player development, and planning for the 2024 campaign. For the fans of the Cardinals, Saints, and Titans, it's a case of looking ahead to next year after a bitterly disappointing conclusion to their playoff pursuits.
