NFL: Power Ranking the 10 Worst Teams in 2011—The Bad, the Worse and the Ugly

If you are a fan of one of the following 10 teams, let me just say this in advance: I am sorry. 

I am sure you will not be pleased with this article or these predictions, but the truth remains: Your team will not break .500 or see the playoffs this year.

Let me rephrase that: Your team will not come close to .500 and will give up on the playoffs no later than Week 8 (if it hasn’t already). 

Let’s take a look at the 10 worst teams in the NFL for 2011—from bad to horrible.

No. 10: Denver Broncos

I think Denver is doing the right things under John Elway (sounds familiar), as it has been on the rebuild for a year now.

Tim Tebow should at least show some improvement this year and should also be pretty interesting to watch in 2011. However, they are still missing many pieces of the puzzle in Colorado.

No. 9: Arizona Cardinals

As of right now, Arizona has no shining star at quarterback. Odds are they will bring one in through trade or free agency as soon as they can. With the lockout, it may not be soon enough.  

I imagine the Cardinals will struggle this year despite the addition of the exciting Patrick Peterson.

No. 8: Tennessee Titans

The Titans are the only team from the AFC South on the list. 

I like Jake Locker. I've said this before: His attitude, toughness and love for the game remind me of Brett Favre. That being said, the Titans organization has a lot of correcting to do, way beyond the quarterback position.

The Titans organization needs a strong leader to come in and take control of this team. Tennessee has a ton of off-field drama (which does affect the team) and several questionable characters to say the least. Locker is facing a tough couple years ahead.

The good news for Locker and Titan fans—they still have the amazing Chris Johnson, who does not look like he will be slowing down anytime soon. Look for Jake and the Titans to use Johnson heavily this year.

No. 7: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota has a lot of rebuilding to do this year (not including the roof).

It has been reported that Christian Ponder is working out with teammates and assuming the role as starter. Leslie Frazier seems to be a promising head coach, and Adrian Peterson is one of the best in the business.

Yet they have a ton of unknowns in Minnesota. 

I expect a one- to two-year drop-off for the Vikings while they figure things out.

No. 6: Miami Dolphins

Good NFL teams start with good ownership. Stephen Ross showed poor, classless management over this offseason with the extravagant and failed coaching search he put on, leaving the under-contract and current head coach Tony Sparano feeling awkward, I am sure.

Miami also lacks a true franchise quarterback, among other things.

Disenfranchised head coach and no quarterback. Bad year.

No. 5: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks own the record as the worst team to ever make the playoffs.

They won’t be back anytime soon.

As of right now, Seahawks fans have no idea who will be QB in September. They also had a pretty bad draft—some say the worst in the league.

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks will struggle this year.

No. 4: Washington Redskins

There are too many unknowns with the Redskins to have any confidence they will improve over last year.

I was not impressed with the 2010 version of Mike Shanahan. I think his coaching days are drawing to a close unless he can turn it around in D.C. soon. As good as the legend is, he made some critical mistakes in his handling of Donovan McNabb.

Rough season is ahead, Redskins fans.

No. 3: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are in total rebuilding mode.

It’s hard to believe any team could be that bad twice in a row. Cam Newton’s athletic ability alone will help them pick up a couple games this year.

That being said, Cam's window to prepare for this season is getting smaller and smaller by the day. I believe he needs a lot of coaching time to be successful, so hopefully he can get it soon.

This is going to be an interesting team to watch moving forward.

No. 2: Cincinnati Bengals

The AFC North is a great division. Cincinnati and the new-look Bengals will not be part of that greatness anytime soon.

The Bengals were terrible last year, and that was with Carson Palmer and two of the best wideouts in the game. Anyone that thinks they will do better this year with rookie Andy Dalton behind center, I am sure, ate at Skyline Chili for lunch this week. Dalton may be okay but will not be effective for at least a year or two.

Sorry 'Nati—the Bengals will not improve or impress in 2011.

No. 1: Buffalo Bills

The worst team in the NFL for 2011 is (drum roll) the Buffalo Bills.

The Buffalo Bills had a great first pick in this year's draft. I think they actually did the smart thing by avoiding a lot of the risky picks high this year.

So, smart pick, but is it going to make Buffalo competitive this year? No.

The Bills still lack the high-powered offense (among other things) necessary to win in the NFL—they know that. Their actions tell you they have accepted it and are thinking 2012 at this point.

* Vikings, Seahawks and Cardinals all have a high chance of signing a veteran quarterback as soon as the lockout is over. This could result in removal from the list.

Some of the material from this article was pulled from another article of mine...

“NFL: Predictions for All 32 Teams, for Better or Worse”

If you don’t hate me already, check that one out. It is sure to do the trick.

Thank you for reading! Please follow me on Twitter @ryanthebroker