NFL Week 16 panic meter: Broncos, Texans show red flags

Of the teams and players that struggled in NFL Week 16, which ones should be worried about their performances? Let's rank them on the panic meter.

Detroit Lions

Panic meter rating: 10/10

The Lions have been a major disappointment in 2025 after earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC last year. Detroit was already running out of time to make a playoff push, but its disappointing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday might be the final nail in the coffin. 

At 8-7, the Lions have just an eight percent chance of making the playoffs with two games remaining. They would need to win their final two games against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears and have the Green Bay Packers lose their final two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Vikings to crack the postseason. Detroit needs a Christmas miracle. 

Denver Broncos

Panic meter rating: 2/10

Denver entered Week 16 riding an 11-game winning streak, but that came to an end with its 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. As disappointing as the loss was for Sean Payton's squad, it has no reason to panic yet.

The Broncos still control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. All they have to do is beat the Kansas City Chiefs (down to their third-string quarterback) on the road and the Los Angeles Chargers at home to lock up a bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Denver was due for a poor performance, but it has nothing to worry about as long as the loss doesn't carry over to the next two weeks. 

New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart 

Panic meter rating: 7.5/10

This is a complicated one. Dart looked the part of a franchise quarterback earlier in the year, but he's regressed as the season has gone on. The rookie quarterback threw for only 33 yards and an interception in New York's 16-13 loss to the Vikings on Sunday, marking one of the worst QB performances we've seen in 2025. 

If Dart continues to struggle down the stretch, the Giants could be tempted to replace him with Fernando Mendoza or another top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. He needs to prove he can be effective without being reckless as a scrambler to keep his job. 

Houston Texans 

Panic meter rating: 6/10

Sunday proved why the Texans can't be trusted in the playoffs. As 14-point favorites against the hapless Las Vegas Raiders, the Texans were outgained, 315-270, in their ugly 23-21 win. This came one week after the Raiders managed just 75 yards and seven first downs against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

If Houston's defense doesn't play lights out, the Texans can lose to any team on any given week. Sunday's performance showed us why Houston might not have a high ceiling once the playoffs roll around.