State of the draft order: Sizing up contenders for top overall pick

» 2016 NFL Draft order and needs for every team

The race for the playoffs is beginning to heat up with teams like the Texans, Chiefs and Colts suddenly surging. On the flip side, there are teams that are sinking further into the abyss. These teams have fans bases that are already beginning to turn an eye to the draft.

Let's take a look at which teams are in contention to make the first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Leading the pack

Cleveland has posted two winning seasons since its return to the NFL in 1999. That's it. It's hard not to feel for that long-suffering fan base.

The Browns have lost 6 games in a row (four by double digits) and the soul-crushing, last-second loss at the hands of the Ravens on Monday could be the nail in the coffin for a roster of players that are left to play for pride. The Browns do have a home game against the 49ers remaining on the schedule (Dec. 13). That will be the Browns' best shot to earn a third victory.

The Browns would hold the second overall pick if the season ended today. The Titans, who currently are in line to pick first, look like they are headed for a complete overhaul. With every team on their remaining schedule battling for a playoff spot, they aren't likely to see an opponent let up much against them.

» Browns in position to have choice of QBs in draft

Still in trouble

If San Francisco loses to Cleveland, it could easily be looking at the first pick of the draft. The 49ers, who are currently slotted fifth in the draft order, have the worst point differential in the NFL at minus-119 and they've failed to reach 20 points scored in five straight outings. Other than the game against the Browns, a home matchup against the Rams (Jan. 3) is their best chance at another win.

Dallas, which would pick fourth if the season ended today, has enough talent to win again, but it couldn't win in Tony Romo's absence earlier this season, so why should now be any different? The Cowboys' offense will struggle without Romo, who will miss the rest of the season, and their defense has given up 26 points or more in six of their last nine games. That is not a good sign.

Unlikely to pick first

San Diego, currently slated to pick third, has as many wins as the 49ers and the Cowboys, but the big difference is that Philip Rivers keeps on battling and his team is obviously following his lead. While the Chargers were on a six-game losing streak before their win over the Jaguars on Sunday, but they lost only one of those games by more than 8 points, which shows their fight.

It is worth noting, however, that the Chargers still have two matchups against the Broncos, one against the Chiefs and one against the Raiders, so their road to another victory could be difficult, despite their best efforts.

Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.