z: best record, c: conference winner, y: division winner, w: wildcard, x: clinched playoff spot
The 1951 Chicago Cardinals, coached by Phil Handler (1-1-0) and Cecil Isbell (1-1-0) and Curly Lambeau (2-8-0), missed the playoffs after finishing the NFL regular season in 6th place in the American Conference with a 3-9 record.