In his preview for the latest round of Super League, Phil Clarke says Leeds have looked to be playing in the wrong division at times this season.
The defending champions are at the bottom of the First Utility Super League standings, with three wins from 16 outings.
Asked on Sky Sports News HQ if Leeds have a chance of making it into the top 8 with seven games remaining in the regular season, Clarke was not optimistic.
"Mathematically yes, realistically no," said the Sky Sports pundit.
"In their last three games they've been embarrassed, it looks as though they've played in the wrong division.
"Worryingly I think for Leeds, it looked for a period that they'd actually given up hope.
"I think their only hope from this point now is to go out and buy. Ten years ago Wigan found themselves in a similar position and spent big to buy Stuart Fielden, arguably one of the best players in the world at the time.
"If Leeds want a quick turnaround, that's probably their only solution right now."
Click on the video at the top of the page to watch Phil Clarke's preview for Round 17 of Super League, which kicks off with Wakefield v Hull KR on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports 3 from 7.30pm.