Stock Up, Stock Down for Every NFL Team Heading into Postseason, Offseason

Is it chicken, beef or turkey?

All three of these flavors have been associated with stock. And in some instances, there are those who have used these vernaculars when it comes to describing a player and/or team in the NFL.

We’re not here to overcomplicate things. Instead, here’s a look at the forecast for all 12 teams when it comes to the upcoming playoffs and for the other 20 clubs when it comes to the direction of their franchise.

Please keep in mind that this is far more than just about last season’s win-loss record. There are those teams who disappointed in 2013 but still have a promising future. There are other clubs who need to get the job done when it comes to a championship this season.

We will also update the latest news when it comes to the numerous dismissals in terms of head coaches, five of which lost their jobs on Sunday and Monday.

Also enclosed is all the free-agent information you will need when it comes to 2014 courtesy of the great staff at Spotrac.com (subscription required)

Arizona Cardinals: Stock Up

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Arizona Cardinals: Stock Up

2013 Record: 10-6

Finish: 3rd Place, NFC West

Unless you are an expert at ornithology, you couldn’t possibly tell anyone how high cardinals fly.

But it is pretty safe to say that these up-and-coming Arizona Cardinals are certainly headed in the right direction.

In 2013, for only the second time in 37 seasons dating back to 1977, the franchise won at least 10 games. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to get the team in the playoffs, mostly because the Cards were just 2-4 within their own division (compared to 8-2 against the rest of the NFL).

While veteran quarterback Carson Palmer had his ups and downs, the Arizona offense definitely made some strides from a year ago. Linebacker Karlos Dansby, cornerback Patrick Peterson and defensive end-turned-outside linebacker John Abraham led a defense that gave up the sixth-fewest yards in the league and was ranked No. 1 versus the run.

Speaking of impressive, it’s hard to quantify just how good of a job head coach Bruce Arians did in his debut in the desert. And last year’s NFL Coach of the Year may be in line for those honors once again.

Atlanta Falcons: Stock Even

Atlanta Falcons: Stock Even

2013 Record: 4-12

Finish: 3rd Place, NFC South

Was it a bump in the road or a sign of things to come?

After a franchise-record five consecutive winning seasons and four playoff appearances over that span, the Atlanta Falcons fell to third place in the NFC South with nine fewer wins than they managed in 2012.

Injuries were certainly a factor, most notably to running back Steven Jackson and former Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones. And for the first time in his six-year NFL career, quarterback Matt Ryan did not throw more touchdown passes in 2013 (26) than he did the previous season (32).

In reality, a lack of balance cost this team late in 2012 and throughout 2013.

The Falcons finished dead last in the league when it came to running the football, and only the Chicago Bears gave up more rushing yards in 2013. That’s an unfortunate combination even in this pass-happy era of the NFL.

Still, this is a team with a solid foundation, so we will give Ryan, head coach Mike Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff the benefit of the doubt.

Baltimore Ravens: Stock Down

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Baltimore Ravens: Stock Down

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 3rd Place, AFC North

There will be no hot streak come the postseason this time around.

For the first time under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco, the Baltimore Ravens won’t be going to the playoffs.

The defending Super Bowl champions were eliminated on Sunday thanks to a 34-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Quarterback Joe Flacco served up a career-high 22 interceptions this season while throwing only 19 touchdown passes. That’s because the Ravens’ ground attack was never more mediocre than in 2013, averaging a mere 83.0 yards per game. During its championship season of 2012, Harbaugh’s club averaged 118.8 yards per game on the ground during the regular season.

General manager Ozzie Newsome did his best to revamp a team that had its share of departures from last season. It is still worth noting that the Ravens are just 9-12 in their last 21 regular-season games dating back to Week 13 of last season.

Buffalo Bills: Stock Up

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Buffalo Bills: Stock Up

2013 Record: 6-10

Finish: 4th Place, AFC East

Talk about consistency.

For the third straight year, the Buffalo Bills are the owners of a 6-10 record.

Meanwhile, for the sixth consecutive season, the team from Orchard Park, N.Y., finds itself parked in the AFC basement.

It’s still almost hard to believe in this day and age of ever-changing teams in the playoffs that this franchise hasn’t been to the postseason since 1999.

Still, there’s room for optimism here. The team’s first three draft choices in April—quarterback EJ Manuel, wide receiver Robert Woods and middle linebacker Kiko Alonso—all opened eyes in 2013 and could be the foundation for bigger and better things in the near future.

It’s also worth noting that the Bills were 3-3 versus their divisional rivals this past season, including a sweep of the Miami Dolphins.

Now if only the team could stop the run and beat the New England Patriots with some regularity.

Carolina Panthers: Stock Up

Carolina Panthers: Stock Up

2013 Record: 12-4

Finish: 1st Place, NFC South

It certainly didn’t look good for the Carolina Panthers after they lost their first two games this season.

It looked even worse when they opened the season at 1-3 and the division-rival New Orleans Saints were a perfect 4-0.

What do you know? Head coach Ron Rivera gathered his team and led it to an impressive 11-1 record in its final dozen outings, capping it off with the team’s first NFC South title since 2008.

The Panthers have assembled quite the defensive unit, led by Pro Bowlers in defensive end Greg Hardy and middle linebacker Luke Kuechly. Only the Seattle Seahawks gave up fewer points in the NFL in 2013.

The elder statesman of the team is talented wide receiver Steve Smith, who missed the regular-season finale versus the Atlanta Falcons.

However, third-year quarterback Cam Newton has emerged as a leader. He’s headed to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 24 scores, running for six touchdowns and committing only 14 turnovers.

Make no mistake. The Panthers' game plan is portable. And it will be well-rested after earning a first-round bye on Sunday.

Chicago Bears: Stock Down

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Chicago Bears: Stock Down

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 2nd Place, NFC North

It’s simply astounding to see the Chicago Bears “not” play defense.

Incredibly, Marc Trestman’s team scored 445 points this season and did it with two different starting quarterbacks in Jay Cutler and Josh McCown.

Unfortunately, those facing the team from the Windy City weren’t blown away by Mel Tucker’s injury-plagued and struggling defensive unit.

Last season, the Bears gave up just 277 points and 25 offensive touchdowns. This season, Trestman’s club was bludgeoned for 478 points (tied for the second most in the league), including 22 scores on the ground and 25 touchdowns through the air.

And unfortunately, when you surrender those kind of numbers, it’s easy to see how a team that started the season 3-0 wound up out of the playoffs for a third straight year.

Cincinnati Bengals: Stock Up

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Cincinnati Bengals: Stock Up

2013 Record: 11-5

Finish: 1st Place, AFC North

For the first time since the franchise first took the field in the American Football League, the Cincinnati Bengals are headed to the playoffs for a third consecutive year.

For the first time since 2009, Marvin Lewis’ team will have a home playoff game. Next Sunday, the AFC North champions will host the San Diego Chargers.

When you play defense the way the Bengals do, it can lead to a championship. But when you play as erratically as quarterback Andy Dalton does at time, it’s anyone’s guess exactly what will happen.

Here are a few interesting streaks regarding the Bengals, one of which they hope to continue and one of which they hope to end.

Lewis’ team has won nine straight games at home dating back to 2012. That’s the good news.

However, this franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since 1990 when it defeated Houston...as in the Oilers.

Then again, as previously mentioned, the Bengals had never made three straight trips to the playoffs until now.

Cleveland Browns: Stock Down

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Cleveland Browns: Stock Down

2013 Record: 4-12

Finish: 4th Place, AFC North

It was somewhat ironic that the Cleveland Browns wrapped up their latest season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One of the NFL’s models of stability, the Black and Gold have employed just three head coaches since 1969.

Meanwhile, the Browns have had seven head coaches since returning to the league in 1999. Notice the word “had.” That’s because the seventh was Rob Chudzinski, who was let go by the team on Sunday evening just hours after his team’s 20-7 loss to the Steelers.

The news was first reported by NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport and eventually confirmed by the organization.

According to Nate Davis of USA Today Sports, Chudzinski was little taken back by the news, to say the least.

This is a franchise that has lost at least 11 games six straight seasons since finishing 10-6 in 2007. The Browns have not been to the playoffs since 2002 and are combined 77-163 in 15 seasons dating back to 1999.

Dallas Cowboys: Stock Even

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Dallas Cowboys: Stock Even

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 2nd Place, NFC East

For the third consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys had a chance to win the NFC East in the final regular-season game of the season.

For the third straight year, it didn’t go their way.

Actually, several things didn’t go their way in a 24-22 home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jason Garrett’s team turned over the ball three times, including a pair of interceptions thrown by veteran quarterback Kyle Orton. Running back DeMarco Murray was limited to 51 yards rushing on 17 carries. The Cowboys squandered too many opportunities, settling for either field goals or turning over the football.

Hence Jerry Jones’ team finished 8-8 for the third consecutive year. And the loss dropped the Cowboys’ record to 136-136 dating back to 1997.

It doesn’t get any more even than that.

Denver Broncos: Stock Even

Denver Broncos: Stock Even

2013 Record: 13-3

Finish: 1st Place, AFC West

Even?

For the second straight year, the Denver Broncos are co-owners of the best record in the NFL and are the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

Thanks to a record-setting campaign by quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos set new single-season league records for points (606) and touchdowns scored (76). In just his second season with the franchise, the veteran signal-caller threw for 5,477 yards and 55 scores, both NFL records.

But why will this team fare any better in the playoffs than last year’s edition? The Denver defense certainly has its share of question marks, as John Fox’s team gave up 399 points, 110 more than in 2012.

So let’s keep it simple.

Despite the impressive figures, this is an old-fashioned case of buyer beware.

Detroit Lions: Stock Down

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Detroit Lions: Stock Down

2013 Record: 7-9

Finish: 3rd Place, NFC North

A year ago, the Detroit Lions split their first eight games and then went zero for the rest of the season in a 4-12 campaign.

This season, Jim Schwartz’s club teased its fans with memories of 2011, opening 6-3 and putting itself in the mix for the team’s first division title since 1993.

There were some huge moments for quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Running back Reggie Bush was a tremendous addition and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh enjoyed a very solid season.

Then the final seven games happened, six of which resulted in defeat. Over that span, the Lions committed a whopping 21 turnovers. The lone victory was a 40-10 rout of the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day. Detroit closed the season with four straight losses.

Hence the end of the Schwartz Era in the Motor City, as was confirmed on Monday and documented by Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press Sports.

What’s the bottom line here? It means another restart for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991.

Green Bay Packers: Stock Up

Green Bay Packers: Stock Up

2013 Record: 8-7-1

Finish: 1st Place, NFC North

It took 17 weeks, 16 games and four different quarterbacks, but the Green Bay Packers are NFC North champions for the third straight year.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, making his first start in roughly two months, threw a 48-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds to play to a wide-open wide receiver in Randall Cobb on fourth down to help give Mike McCarthy’s team a stunning 33-28 win.

“As soon as I came off the ball, I saw the safety was flat-footed, so I just threw my hand up,” said Cobb to Vic Ketchman of Packers.com “I knew there was going to be nobody where I was going to run the route to.”

The Packers are 3-1 since their Thanksgiving Day debacle versus the Detroit Lions, a 40-10 loss. The organization continues to prove why it is one of the best in the league, getting the job done despite a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball.

And for the second straight year, Rodgers and Co. will face the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

Houston Texans: Stock Even

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Houston Texans: Stock Even

2013 Record: 2-14

Finish: 4th Place, AFC South

What happened?

The Houston Texans began the season finding ways to win games. They rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the San Diego Chargers and a week later came back to beat the Tennessee Titans in overtime.

But as the great Porky Pig (no relation to Kevin Bacon) would say...

Yep, that’s all folks. The Texans are on the clock in regard to the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. That’s because they lost their last 14 games following their 2-0 start. Some of them were in disturbing style, as they blew double-digit leads at home to the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts.

There’s plenty of blame to go around, although some of that blame won’t be around, as head coach Gary Kubiak was let go during the season.

While it was a dramatic fall for the two-time defending AFC South champions, the cupboard is far from bare when it comes to talent. For now, we’ll call this horrid season the exception rather than the rule and expect the Texans to rebound in 2014.

The search for a successor to Kubiak continues and according to numerous media reports, Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien has emerged as a front-runner. Bob Flounders of PennLive.com attempts to sort out the latest information.

Indianapolis Colts: Stock Up

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Indianapolis Colts: Stock Up

2013 Record: 11-5

Finish: 1st Place, AFC South

Apparently, the Indianapolis Colts do know how to play consistent football

After opening the season at 4-1, Chuck Pagano’s team split its next eight games, which included lopsided losses to the St. Louis Rams (38-8), Arizona Cardinals (40-11) and Cincinnati Bengals (42-28).

But the Colts have gathered themselves and head into the postseason on a three-game roll, disposing of those opponents by a combined 78-20 count.

Here are a few things to keep an eye on as Pagano’s club gets ready to host the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend in the Wild Card Round.

Second-year quarterback Andrew Luck has committed only 11 turnovers this season, 12 fewer than during his rookie season (23). Veteran outside linebacker Robert Mathis finished with a league-high 19.5 sacks. And the Colts forced 27 turnovers in 2013, a dozen more than the previous season.

Those are three components that could make Luck and his teammates a tough out this January.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Stock Even

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Jacksonville Jaguars: Stock Even

2013 Record: 4-12

Finish: 3rd Place, AFC South

The good news is that the Jacksonville Jaguars doubled their win total from a season ago.

The bad news is that they were a team that finished 2-14 in 2012.

The worse news is that this is a franchise with an 11-37 record since 2011.

Yet there were some good things that happened for a Jaguars squad that lost its first eight and final three games of the season.

Still, it’s worth remembering the Jaguars haven’t been to the playoffs nor posted a winning record since 2007.

Gus Bradley’s team responded with four wins in five games following a 0-8 start, evidence that this is a team with desire.

Now if the front office can develop some talent to go along with the right attitude, Jacksonville could start to climb its way out of its current hole.

Kansas City Chiefs: Stock Up

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Kansas City Chiefs: Stock Up

2013 Record: 11-5

Finish: 2nd Place, AFC West (Reached playoffs)

Despite the big turnaround by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, a 2-5 finish following a 9-0 start doesn’t exactly scream stock up.

And that lack of confidence may be in regard to the defensive side of the football. Andy Reid’s team allowed 194 points in its last seven games, five of those losses, after giving up only 111 points in its first nine outings this season.

However, this is a Kansas City offense also playing with much more confidence than earlier in the season. Veteran quarterback Alex Smith threw a career-high 23 touchdown passes this season, and running back Jamaal Charles led the NFL with 19 total touchdowns. Both players sat out the team’s regular-season finale versus the San Diego Chargers.

Just as important is the fact that the Chiefs have Reid, who won (and lost) his share of playoff games with the Philadelphia Eagles.

That experience as a head coach just may give this franchise its first postseason win since 1993.

Miami Dolphins: Stock Down

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Miami Dolphins: Stock Down

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 3rd Place, AFC East

This was a tough call indeed.

But due to the fact that a promising season turned messy off the field and eventually filtered down and arguably affected the team’s performance, the call is stock down.

The Miami Dolphins got off to a 3-0 start this season, the best by the team since 2002. But when it was all said (and let’s not rehash some of those words), it was done when it came to the club’s playoff chances.

In the final two games of the season, Joe Philbin’s club combined for seven points in losses to the Buffalo Bills (19-0) and New York Jets (20-7). Second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked 58 times during the season. The Dolphins’ roller-coaster year, which began with so much promise, was hardly cause for amusement.

Who knows what the aftermath of a disappointing finish will bring?

Minnesota Vikings: Stock Down

Minnesota Vikings: Stock Down

2013 Record: 5-10-1

Finish: 4th Place, NFC North

One spectacular performance from a year ago wasn’t enough to change things for the future of the Minnesota Vikings.

Now that the team has played its final game at the Metrodome, perhaps it’s fitting that these is also another “last” when it comes to this team.

Head coach Leslie Frazier won’t be back in 2014. It was announced by the team on Monday. Including a playoff appearance in 2012, he finished with a 21-33-1 record since taking over during the 2010 season.

While we’re speaking of lasts, Frazier’s Vikings gave up a league-high 480 points, exactly 30 points per game.

What of quarterback Christian Ponder going forward. The three-year veteran has not seized the bull by the horns to date.

How much does veteran running back Adrian Peterson have after seven seasons and 10,000-plus yards rushing? Where will veteran defensive end Jared Allen wind up next season?

Unfortunately, there appear to be more questions than there were wins in 2013.

New England Patriots: Stock Even

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New England Patriots: Stock Even

2013 Record: 12-4

Finish: 1st Place, AFC East

It adds up to five straight AFC East titles, which means five consecutive playoff appearances.

That goes along with 13 straight winning seasons (tied for the sixth-best streak in NFL history) and 11 consecutive years with 10 or more wins.

The New England Patriots remain a dynasty intact regardless of the fact that the team has not won a Super Bowl since 2004.

Once again, however, quarterback Tom Brady will be in the running for a sixth Super Bowl appearance, which would be an unprecedented feat.

So why stock even?

It’s simple. Name another franchise that has been this consistently good for more than a decade?

Of course, we are also keeping in mind that what could hold the Pats back from a sixth Super Bowl appearance since 2001 is a defensive unit that appears to be on fumes. New England ranks 26th in yards allowed and only two teams in the NFL have allowed more rushing yards per game.

New Orleans Saints: Stock Up

New Orleans Saints: Stock Up

2013 Record: 11-5

Finish: 2nd Place, NFC South (Reached playoffs)

After a 4-0 start and with the rest of the division reeling, the New Orleans Saints seemed liked a sure bet when it came to winning the NFC South.

Sure it was...

Despite another stellar season by quarterback Drew Brees and a much-improved defensive performance, the Saints couldn’t finish down the stretch and wound up settling for a wild-card berth behind the 12-4 Carolina Panthers.

How much better was this team on defense? Sean Payton’s club allowed fewer than 20 points in 11 of its 16 games. The 2012 Saints limited three opponents to 20 points or fewer.

Now the team heads off to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round in the City of Brotherly Love. And it will be interesting to see how the Saints handle the elements as they attempt to win the first road playoff game in team history.

While the team’s road woes have been well-documented, this is also a team in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

New York Giants: Stock Down

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New York Giants: Stock Down

2013 Record: 7-9

Finish: 3rd Place, NFC East

Following a 0-6 start, the New York Giants won seven of their final 10 games this season.

However, it was much too little and far too late, as Tom Coughlin’s team suffered through its first losing season since 2004.

It’s easy to point the finger at quarterback Eli Manning, who led the NFL with a career-high 27 interceptions. Of course, New York finished a dismal 29th when it came to rushing yards this season.

All told, Coughlin’s team committed a league-high 44 turnovers, the second time in four years that the Giants led the NFL in this dubious category.

So is it time for an overhaul when it comes to Big Blue? And will that overhaul include Coughlin, who has led the team to a pair of unlikely Super Bowl titles?

Changes are indeed inevitable. We will just have to see exactly how many there will indeed be.

New York Jets: Stock Up

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New York Jets: Stock Up

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 2nd Place, AFC East

If Rex Ryan can get this quarterback thing figured out, perhaps the New York Jets can get themselves back in the playoff picture.

Still, an 8-8 showing by the Green and White was a lot better than most would have expected. True, there were some extremely ugly moments along the way. Four of the team’s eight setbacks were by at least 20 points. Ouch.

Rookie quarterback Geno Smith committed 25 of the team’s 29 turnovers. It marked the fourth time in five years under Ryan that the team’s quarterback committed at least 23 turnovers during the season.

Still, Smith showed flashes at times and could be an intriguing watch in 2014. Meanwhile, one of the league’s best defensive units, led by defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, rookie defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and veteran linebacker David Harris, came through for the most part.

And it appears that Ryan’s hope of returning next season is a reality. But according to Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News, there’s still a lot to be done by the always-interesting sideline leader.

Oakland Raiders: Stock Down

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Oakland Raiders: Stock Down

2013 Record: 4-12

Finish: 4th Place, AFC West

You can’t ignore the numbers. And you also can’t overlook that this is a new regime running the Oakland Raiders as opposed to the much-criticized final seasons under Hall of Famer Al Davis. Still, general manager Reggie McKenzie is still trying to clean up messes from those previous years.

Head coach Dennis Allen has been on the job for two seasons and has finished 4-12 each time.

The Silver and Black closed 2013 with six consecutive losses after a 4-6 start. Oakland went 1-5 versus its divisional rivals, including sweeps at the hands of the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. And Allen’s team, which figured to be better on defense, allowed 453 points this season, the most in the AFC.

Dating back to 2003, the Raiders have compiled a dismal 53-123 record. The franchise hasn’t enjoyed a winning season since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII with an 11-5 mark.

That’s more than a decade of ineptitude by an organization that was once one of the most feared teams in the league. But is it indeed the right call to start over once again, especially when it comes to Allen?

Philadelphia Eagles: Stock Up

Philadelphia Eagles: Stock Up

2013 Record: 10-6

Finish: 1st Place, NFC East

They have the NFL’s rushing champion in running back LeSean McCoy.

They have the league’s top-rated passer in second-year pro Nick Foles.

And they have won seven of their final eight games following a 3-5 start.

The Philadelphia Eagles are on a roll and back in the playoffs for the first time since 2010. A 24-22 victory over the Dallas Cowboys gave head coach Chip Kelly a division title in his first season on the job.

Only the Denver Broncos totaled more yards per game than these Birds, who led the NFL in rushing offense. The Eagles finished plus-12 in turnover differential and gave up the ball just 19 times in 16 games. That’s quite a turnaround for a team which committed 37 turnovers and was minus-24 in turnover margin during a dismal 4-12 showing in 2012.

Now the real test begins. Kelly’s team will host the New Orleans Saints in one of this weekend’s NFC Wild Card Games. The Eagles have not won an NFL title since 1960 and you’ll hear that statistic more than you care to all weekend.

Of course, there’s only one way to change that.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock Up

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Pittsburgh Steelers: Stock Up

2013 Record: 8-8

Finish: 2nd Place, AFC North

As we have all heard, it is how you finish and not how you start.

Speaking of finishes, the Pittsburgh Steelers won eight of their final 12 games following a 0-4 start. And while it marked the second straight year that Mike Tomlin’s club went 8-8, keep in mind that the 2012 edition of the Black and Gold lost five of its final seven games following a 6-3 start.

Yes, there are age spots on a once-proud defense and you can look for that to be addressed this May in the draft.

However there are lots of positives. Wide receiver Antonio Brown caught 110 passes and was named to the Pro Bowl as both a wide receiver and punt returner. Rookie running back LeVeon Bell led the team with 860 yards rushing and caught 45 passes.

And let's not forget solid 2013 seasons from veterans Ben Roethlisberger and revitalized safety Troy Polamalu, who is headed to the Pro Bowl.

There could once again be good times ahead for one of sports' steadiest franchises.

St. Louis Rams: Stock Even

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St. Louis Rams: Stock Even

2013 Record: 7-9

Finish: 4th Place, NFC West

Two years under head coach Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams haven’t changed that much.

Have they?

A season ago, Fisher’s team was a surprising 7-8-1 (after finishing 2-14 in 2011), including 4-1-1 within the division. This season, the Rams managed a 7-9 record but were just 1-5 versus their NFC West rivals.

On the plus side, St. Louis scored 348 points this season, an average of 21.8 points per game. It marks the first time since 2006 that the team averaged at least 20 points per game. Elsewhere, third-year defensive end Robert Quinn finished second in the NFL with 19.0 sacks.

When it was all said and done, however, the Rams were the only team in the division to finish below .500. Ironically, a 7-9 mark just three years ago was good enough to win the NFC West.

Let’s see what this team looks like with quarterback Sam Bradford back at the helm in 2014.

San Diego Chargers: Stock Even

San Diego Chargers: Stock Even

2013 Record: 9-7

Finish: 3rd Place, AFC West (Reached playoffs)

The San Diego Chargers appeared to be on a downward spiral as an organization.

Four straight AFC West titles from 2006-09 were followed by seasons of 9-7, 8-8 and 7-9 the last three years, respectively. Head coach Norv Turner was let go after six seasons and general manager A.J. Smith was shown the door as well.

After the team got off to 2-3 start in 2013, it looked like bad business as usual for the Bolts.

But a funny thing happened on the way to another lost season. Revitalized quarterback Philip Rivers and his team found their way. Mike McCoy’s club won its final four games and, with a little help from the competition, found its way into the postseason.

Are we convinced the Chargers are headed in the right direction? This is a team known more for its playoff failures than successes. Rivers, running back Ryan Mathews and standout rookie wide receiver Keenan Allen have all had terrific seasons.

Still, the San Diego defense, ranked 23rd in the league in terms of yards allowed, may prove to be the team’s undoing.

San Francisco 49ers: Stock Up

San Francisco 49ers: Stock Up

2013 Record: 12-4

Finish: 2nd Place, NFC West (Reached playoffs)

Make no mistake. This is the hottest team in the league headed into the playoffs next weekend.

Twice this season, the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers lost back-to-back games. And that was it for Jim Harbaugh’s team when it came to losses.

The Niners finished 12-4 in 2013 and are headed back to the postseason for the third straight year under their current head coach, who has led them to at least 11 victories in each of his seasons.

It certainly didn't look like things would go well after the Niners got off to a 1-2 start and were embarrassed in consecutive weeks by the Seattle Seahawks (29-3) and Indianapolis Colts (27-7). But Harbaugh’s team has gone 11-2 since and enters the postseason on a six-game winning streak.

Combine that with the team’s recent share of playoff experience and the Niners will be an extremely tough out.

Seattle Seahawks: Stock Up

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Seattle Seahawks: Stock Up

2013 Record: 13-3

Finish: 1st Place, NFC West

After suffering their first home loss in two years, the Seattle Seahawks went about their business on Sunday and wrapped up the NFC West and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

A 27-9 victory over the visiting St. Louis Rams wasn’t exactly artistic. But Pete Carroll’s defense limited the guests to 158 total yards and one fourth-quarter trip to the end zone.

After leading the NFL in fewest points allowed last season for the first time in the franchise’s history, the Seahawks turned the trick for the second straight year in 2013. This is a team that is a combined 18-3 in its last 21 regular-season games since opening the Russell Wilson era 6-5 in 2012.

Led by Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle running game is imposing and deep. The defense is relentless and the Seahawks led the NFL with 39 takeaways, including a league-high 28 interceptions.

Remember, all of this will be featured in the playoffs at home, where Carroll’s club is 15-1 the last two seasons.

Good luck everyone.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stock Up

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stock Up

2013 Record: 4-12

Finish: 4th Place, NFC South

Yes, bad things come in threes as well.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers closed the season with three straight losses. And that made it possible for this team to finish last in the NFC South for the third straight year.

Still, head coach Greg Schiano may have found a quarterback in Mike Glennon, who threw more than twice as many touchdown passes (19) as interceptions (nine).

This is a team with a slew of talent. Running back Doug Martin saw his second NFL season cut short by injury, but he is one of the league’s more versatile players. The wideout tandem of Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams is as good as it gets. Second-year linebacker Lavonte David enjoyed a monster year and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is headed back to the Pro Bowl.

But speaking of heading back, that won’t apply to Schiano or general manager Mark Dominik in 2014. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the news on Monday.

So once again it’s back to the drawing board for a franchise that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2007.

Tennessee Titans: Stock Even

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Tennessee Titans: Stock Even

2013 Record: 7-9

Finish: 2nd Place, AFC South

In three seasons under head coach Mike Munchak, the Tennessee Titans have been all over the map.

While the team did win one more game than it did a year ago when it finished 6-10, it is how the Titans got there that may not be worth remembering.

Munchak’s club opened the season at 3-1, which included a road win at Pittsburgh and a victory over the playoff-bound San Diego Chargers.

Of course, that means the Titans dropped eight of their final 12 contests. They continue to have their issues within the division. Over the past two seasons, Tennessee is just 3-9 versus its AFC South rivals.

However, this is also a club that may be a healthy quarterback away from making some noise when it comes to playoff contention. Third-year pro Jake Locker once again saw his season interrupted by injuries.

And speaking of “away,” it has now been five seasons and counting since the Titans were in the playoffs (2008).

Washington Redskins: Stock Down

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins: Stock Down

2013 Record: 3-13

Finish: 4th Place, NFC East

A year ago, Mike Shanahan’s club dug itself a hole at 3-6 before winning its final seven games and claiming its first division title since 1999.

This season, the deficit for the Washington Redskins wasn’t quite as big. However, a 3-5 start ended with eight consecutive losses. That means the ‘Skins are once again residents of the NFC East basement for the fifth time in six seasons.

The reasons are numerous and not as simple as just RG3. The 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year never quite looked like himself following that knee injury suffered in last year’s playoffs.

One season after finishing first in the NFL in rushing and committing a league-low 14 turnovers, the Redskins proved they could still run the rock. They just couldn’t hold onto it. All told, Washington’s running game ranked fifth in the league, but Shanahan’s club committed 34 turnovers.

Unfortunately for the two-time Super Bowl champion, it is Shanahan’s team no more. The head coach was fired after four seasons at the helm of the Redskins, three of which resulted in last-place finishes.

According to Jarrett Bell of USA Today Sports, quarterback Robert Griffin III had nothing but positives when it came to his now-former head coach.