In an intense battle for the top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the race has narrowed down to three teams: the Carolina Panthers (via Chicago), the Arizona Cardinals, and the New England Patriots. With the season winding down, these teams are eager to secure the coveted No. 1 spot.

The Panthers, currently sitting at a disappointing 1-10, have the lowest strength of schedule among the three contenders. New England follows closely behind, making the strength of schedule the crucial tiebreaker in determining draft slots.

Meanwhile, in the NFC, the playoff race is in full swing, with several teams vying for a spot in the 14-team bracket. The Chicago Bears, recently victorious in a comically awful 12-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings, have gained momentum with two wins in their last three games. They find themselves tied with the New York Giants, both teams boasting four wins. The Carolina Panthers' struggling season makes it unlikely for them to threaten this total, as they continue to falter.

In the NFC North, the wild-card race is heating up among division rivals. The Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers hold the seventh and eighth spots, respectively. However, a twist occurred as the Packers upset the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, causing their playoff odds to surpass those of the Vikings. The Lions still maintain a healthy 91.4 percent chance of winning the NFC North, despite their disappointing performance on the holiday.

While the wild-card race may include competition from teams like the Los Angeles Rams and the runner-up in the NFC South, the North is increasingly looking like it will secure multiple berths. The Seattle Seahawks, with an 8.8 projected wins and a 53.3 percent chance of making the playoffs, might be the team to slide and potentially open up another spot.

Trade rumors are also beginning to swirl as the draft approaches. If the Bears land the No. 1 pick via Carolina, they face the decision of selecting quarterbacks Caleb Williams or Drake Maye or potentially opting for the development of Justin Fields. Alternatively, they could enter a debate between wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or trading down, with the Patriots and other teams expressing interest in securing the top spot. The Cardinals, projected to hold the No. 2 pick, could become a hot commodity for teams seeking a chance at QB2.

Looking at other teams, the Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tough season. After back-to-back AFC title game appearances and a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss, they find themselves staring at a last-place finish in the AFC North, with star quarterback Joe Burrow out for the season. Mock's latest projections have the Bengals finishing with just 6.7 wins and a negligible 0.4 percent chance of making the playoffs. However, a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft and a healthy Burrow provide hope for a quick turnaround in 2024.

In this week's projections, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit at No. 11, fueled largely by the mediocrity within the NFC South. Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Minnesota Vikings round out the top 15, with a small margin separating teams 12-18.

One team that seems stuck in a challenging situation is the Buffalo Bills. After a Sunday night overtime loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, they dropped to 6-6. With tough matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys ahead, a projected 8.6 wins seems within reach but requires significant effort. Finishing at 7-10 is certainly a possibility for the Bills.

As the season progresses, the race for the top pick, division titles, and wild-card spots promises to keep football fans on the edge of their seats. The coming weeks will undoubtedly provide more twists and turns, leaving fans and teams alike eagerly awaiting the outcome of these thrilling battles on the gridiron.