Cardinals or Browns? The Race to the Bottom

It has happened before in the NFL. A team enters the season with virtually no expectations, loses a few games early, and suddenly the conversation shifts from winning games to positioning itself for the following year’s NFL draft.

Alright, maybe it has been a long while since we’ve seen a team openly throw in the towel before September. Looking at the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns, it’s fair to ask, are we watching two teams that could be quietly positioning themselves for the 2027 NFL Draft?

Arizona Cardinals — Projected Wins: 3.5

Arizona appears to have the clearest path to the bottom of the NFL standings.

The Cardinals of course, moved on from Kyler Murray and now enter the season with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew and rookie Carson Beck competing for quarterback duties. New head coach Mike LaFleur is taking over, but the Cardinals still have significant questions on both sides of the football.

The problem isn’t simply the quarterback position. Arizona finished near the bottom of the league defensively in several major categories last season, while also facing an absolutely brutal NFC West schedule. The Cardinals have to deal with the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers twice each — not exactly an ideal environment for a rebuilding team. (Sharp Football Analysis⁠)

We’re taking the under on 3.5 wins.

If Arizona is 1-5 or 1-6 by late October, the organization has very little, in the way of incentive to push for a couple of meaningless victories.

Cleveland Browns — Projected Wins: 5.5

Cleveland is a slightly different story.

The Browns finished 5-12 last season, but this isn’t necessarily a roster that has been designed to lose. Todd Monken is back as head coach, the offensive line has been rebuilt, and Cleveland has some intriguing young offensive pieces.

There is, however, plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. Deshaun Watson is returning from injury, while Shedeur Sanders and Taylen Green provide younger alternatives. Dillon Gabriel is currently on injured reserve. (Cleveland Browns⁠)

The Browns also traded away Myles Garrett, to the Rams, which certainly doesn’t scream “win now.” Losing a generational defensive player makes the climb considerably steeper, and is certain to piss off the fanbase.

Sadly, we’ve gotta take the under on 5.5.

This isn't because Cleveland is necessarily tanking, but because the AFC North remains unforgiving and the Browns simply don’t have enough certainty at quarterback to expect six victories.

Then There’s Arch

That definitely raises the issue of tanking.

Because there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning is already the prize of the 2027 NFL Draft, and current betting markets actually have Manning as the projected No. 1 overall pick. (FOX Sports⁠)

Are the Cardinals and Browns already battling for that selection?

One early mock draft has Arizona selecting Manning first overall, citing the Cardinals’ roster, quarterback situation and difficult division as reasons they could have the clearest path to No. 1. (FOX Sports⁠)

So, Cardinals or Browns?

The Cardinals look like the better candidate to finish at the bottom.

If either franchise is sitting at 2-14 entering the final week of the 2026 season, don’t expect anyone in the building to complain too loudly about losing that last game.

The prize waiting at the end of the tunnel is probably Arch Manning.