Editor’s note: This is an evolving story. Order has been updated following the Raiders-Broncos result.
With the top two spots locked in the NFL draft order before Week 17 even began, the best the Atlanta Falcons could do after losing 44-27 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was the No. 3 spot – if the Houston- Texans were able to knock down the Tennessee Titans later in the day.
Unfortunately for Atlanta, the Texans lost and now the Hawks officially own the number 4 pick in April’s draft. Although both Houston and Atlanta finished with the points 4-12, the Texans have the higher pick (owned by the Miami Dolphins) due to the low schedule. Atlanta has never achieved fourth place in its draft history.
At the moment, the five best choices are locked up.
Choice no. 6-18 – the teams that will not qualify for playoffs – will be concluded after the Sunday night game between Washington and Philadelphia.
The order is determined by the strong schedule of their opponents. Other tiebreakers include tiebreakers, conference tiebreakers, interconference tiebreakers and then a coin. Remember, the NFL has expanded the playoff format to seven teams from each conference starting this year.
Below is the draft order of the 18 teams that would not make the playoffs if the season ended today, according to Tankathon.