Brian Callahan and the Tennessee Titans secured the top pick with a 3-14 record. The New England Patriots held that spot prior to their regular-season finale, but a win over the Buffalo Bills dropped them to No. 4 at 4-13. The Cleveland Browns (3-14) finished with the No. 2 pick and the New York Giants (3-14) were slotted No. 3.

As a result, it is officially the offseason in Cincinnati and a second straight season without a postseason appearance. The silver lining is the Bengals will pick near the middle of the draft as a result. The Bengals will pick one spot higher than they did in the last draft.

In a funny twist, the Chiefs can knock the Bengals out of the postseason before the bracket is even set. All they have to do is lose the regular-season finale in Denver to ensure the Broncos reach the postseason and the Bengals stay out of it — a task made easier with Mahomes and a host of top-flight starters expected to sit out the game.