NFL Power Rankings: Who's Worse? Cincinnati Bengals Or The Carolina Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers have clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are the worst team in the NFL this season.

Sure, they have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. But, if they get a franchise QB like Andrew Luck with the first pick of the draft, they might actually be competitive again next season.

Then, there are teams like the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are a mess across the board. They need a new quarterback, new receivers, a new defense and likely a new head coach after the season.

So do the many problems of the Bengals outweigh the big problems of the Panthers? Find out below in a comparison the two teams.

Quarterback

The Panthers have been using a patchwork of quarterbacks all season. They've used Matt Moore, but he was benched a couple times due to injury and ineffectiveness.

They've used Jimmy Clausen, a rookie who is playing like a scared high school freshman right now. Even rookie Tony Pike has seen time at QB.

The Bengals appear to be set at QB with Carson Palmer, but not so fast. Palmer really hasn't been effective since 2005, so it might be time for Cincy to get another quarterback in town to take over.

But, Palmer is at least serviceable at times, so I'd rather have the Bengals' situation.

Advantage: Bengals

Running Back

The Panthers have a good running back tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart when they are healthy. Mike Goodson has also proven himself as a capable back this year when Williams and Stewart were hurt.

Williams might leave in free agency this offseason, so the Panthers might get worse at RB.

The Bengals got a great season from Cedric Benson last season, but he's been largely ineffective this season.

Bernard Scott is a capable backup and probably deserves more carries, but maybe he can't handle a full workload.

Either way, I'd rather have the Panthers' backfield for my team.

Advantage: Panthers

Receivers

Steve Smith is the best receiver on either team. But, the Bengals have more depth at the position right now.

That may change after the season though. Terrell Owens will be a free agent and the team may not pick up Chad Ochocinco's 2011 option.

That would leave Jordan Shipley as their No. 1 receiver unless the brought in a free agent or two.

Advantage: Panthers

Offensive Line

The Bengals have Andre Smith at tackle, but he's been sidelined by foot injuries each of the past two seasons. That's a worrying sign for the young offensive lineman.

Meanwhile, the Panthers' line is anchored by Jordan Gross, a tackle who has been named to the 2011 Pro Bowl, the only representative from the Panthers.

I'd rather have the Pro Bowler anchoring my line than the guy with injury problems.

Advantage: Panthers

Defense

Charles Johnson looks promising at defensive end for the Panthers, amassing 11.5 sacks so far this season. That's more than the entire Bengals' starting defensive line has accomplished.

Jon Beason is also a pretty decent linebacker.

But, the Bengals have an excellent cornerback tandem in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. They also have Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga, two very good outside linebackers.

So, in terms of which defense needs fewer pieces to become a threat, I'm picking the Bengals.

Advantage: Bengals

Coaching

John Fox's contract expires at the end of the year and likely won't be renewed.

Marvin Lewis will probably be fired after next weekend's game.

Therefore, it's impossible to say who has the better coaching situation when both teams will be experiencing an overhaul this offseason.

Advantage: Push

Conclusion

Though the Panthers have been worse in the win column this season, they still have a brighter future than the Bengals.

The Bengals need a makeover at a number of positions and their defense won't be able to flourish until they find some guys who can get pressure on the quarterback.

Until then, their secondary is going to be constantly under attack.

Plus, the Bengals will still start Carson Palmer at quarterback next season, even though his days as an effective starter are seemingly over.

If I were offered the head coach job at Cincinnati and at Carolina, I'd choose the Panthers.