NFL Power Rankings: Carolina Panthers and 2 Teams with Routs in Their Future

The Carolina Panthers are mired in what we call a rebuilding process. It is a messy and ugly affair that will only show flashes of good fortune. Those flashes are gone for the Carolina Panthers ahead of Week 1. 

The first thing I thought when I saw the Week 4 schedule was, well at least we know everything that is going to happen. 

This week is a lot like a Michael Bay film. There will be a great deal of big hits, and stirring action. If you are hoping for substance though, you may want to wait for another week. 

This week is all about the sure thing. There are three teams that I don't seen any hope in their sidestepping a landmine of a contest. 

When will all the madness end? When the following teams get better than they are. Which won't happen this season. 

1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton takes his sideshow on the road to Soldier Field, a dicey proposition for their team. 

I agree that Newton has been better than expected, far earlier than expected. But the Panthers are still missing their star running back.

DeAngelo Williams continues to suit up but fails to make any appearances. They will need him to get out of the funk if they want to get some more victories in the win column. 

2. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have been putting up the necessary yardage to get some wins. Chad Henne has played the role of competent quarterback to a tee. 

However, their defense has been as soft as they come. This secondary will not be able to corral the Chargers air attack. If you have Phillip Rivers, your fantasy team is about to get a win. 

3. St. Louis Rams: I would love to be able to tell you the Rams would fight the good fight and win. I just don't have any faith in a team that has begun to crumble on both sides of the ball. 

The Redskins may have dropped a sloppy game to the Cowboys, but they are still a more dynamic team on offense. I will take their consistent effort over the Rams on Sunday. 

Gabe Zaldivar's 2011 NFL Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New Orleans Saints
3. New England Patriots
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. New York Jets
6. Houston Texans
7. Philadelphia Eagles
8. Chicago Bears
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Detroit Lions
11. San Diego Chargers
12. Buffalo Bills
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14. Atlanta Falcons
15. New York Giants
16. Oakland Raiders
17. Dallas Cowboys
18. Washington Redskins
19. Tennessee Titans
20. Arizona Cardinals
21. San Francisco 49ers
22. Denver Broncos
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. St. Louis Rams
25. Indianapolis Colts
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Kansas City Chiefs
29. Carolina Panthers
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Cincinnati Bengals
32. Miami Dolphins