NFL Power Rankings: Cardinals rise, Broncos fall in Week 15

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) forces a fumble by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

25. ATLANTA FALCONS (6-7)

Last week: 22
Change: -3

After starting the season 5-0, the Atlanta Falcons have officially hit rock bottom. They were handed a sixth consecutive loss, and a seventh in eight games, in emphatic fashion by the Carolina Panthers. This was meant to be a game played with desperation and urgency. It was meant to be one in which they may lose, but they would do so fighting against a very good Carolina team.

Well maybe the Falcons bus didn’t arrive at Bank of America Stadium. Or at least Robert Alford didn’t get on the bus, because he went missing in the first quarter when Cam Newton picked out Ted Ginn Jr. for a 74-yard touchdown.

The Falcons need to find a way of finishing the season strongly, as tough as that may be. That’s the challenge ahead of head coach Dan Quinn, who has seen his team plumet after a lightning start to the season.

This team was never going to be good enough to win the Super Bowl in 2015, and even making the playoffs was going to be difficult, but the way they have collapsed out of relevance and continue in free fall in majorly concerning. The Falcons are the coldest team in football.

Next: No. 24