NFL Power Rankings Week 7: Which Teams Are Most Hopeless in League?

For the remainder of the 2011 season, it's hopeless in the following three cities.

The only thing they have to look forward to is the NFL Draft, but even then it may be a crap-shoot. And no, the Colts and Dolphins are not hopeless because they have the luxury of needing a QB, which the draft is loaded with.

Also, the following three franchises have been hit with injuries, trades, and just a significant level of underachievement for some of the talent that was/is on the team.

Miami and Indy are not hopeless because they have nowhere to go but up. However, the three listed teams below are only getting worse.

Denver Broncos (1-4)

It appears that the Tim Tebow-era is under way in Denver. Too bad for Tebow that WR Brandon Lloyd is gone, Eddie Royal wants out, and Eric Decker is his No. 1 guy.

Sure, the Broncos could draft a QB this spring, but it would only upset Tebow's supporters and it would ignite another QB controversy in Denver.

That said, if the Broncos stick to focusing on improving the defense via draft/trades then maybe there is hope.

Nonetheless, this franchise is on a downward spiral and the future looks rather bleak.

Arizona Cardinals (1-4)

The acquisition of QB Kevin Kolb hasn't worked out so far, and the drafting of RB Beanie Wells has been a bust.

Rookie DB Patrick Peterson gives hope to the defense, but they still rank No. 20 against the pass and rush.

For as much talent as there is on paper in Arizona, being 1-4 is certainly an underachieving record.

Luckily, they're in the NFC West. Regardless, things are going to get worse before they get better in The Grand Canyon State, especially with the Seahawks and 49ers on the rise.

St. Louis Rams (0-5)

The worst part here is that the Rams have been dealing with numerous injuries. They have some young and potential talent, but being inexperienced doesn't help any more than not being healthy.

To that end, St. Louis needs to address the front-seven before anything, because ranking dead last against the run (allow 163 per game) is going to take its' toll.

In addition, that significantly hurts the offense's production, as they'll get less possessions and it forces a young and inexperienced team to be more efficient in clutch situations. Yes, learning is great, but it can also be devastating to one's confidence if failure never stops.

This draft they must go for defense, but unfortunately it's not nearly a defensive-heavy as 2011. Should be interesting if The Gateway to the West can make some trades/free agents signings this offseason.

Week 7 Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

1. Green Bay Packers (6-0) (LW 1)	17. Dallas Cowboys (2-3) (LW 15)
2. Baltimore Ravens (4-1) (LW 4)	18. Tennessee Titans (3-2) (LW 18)
3. New England Patriots (5-1) (LW 5)	19. Atlanta Falcons (3-3) (LW 20)
4. New Orleans Saints (4-2) (LW 2)	20. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) (LW 24)
5. San Francisco 49ers (5-1) (LW 11)	21. Washington Redskins (3-2) (LW 16)
6. Detroit Lions (5-1) (LW 3)	22. Seattle Seahawks (2-3) (LW 21)
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) (LW 9)	23. Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) (LW 23)
8. San Diego Chargers (4-1) (LW 7)	24. Carolina Panthers (1-5) (LW 22)
9. Oakland Raiders (4-2) (LW 10)	25. Minnesota Vikings (1-5) (LW 25)
10. New York Giants (4-2) (LW 12)	26. Arizona Cardinals (1-4) (LW 28)
11. Buffalo Bills (4-2) (LW 6)	27. Denver Broncos (1-4) (LW 29)
12. Houston Texans (3-3) (LW 8)	28. Cleveland Browns (2-3) (LW 26)
13. Chicago Bears (3-3) (LW 13)	29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) (LW 27)
14. New York Jets (3-3) (LW 14)	30. St. Louis Rams (0-5) (LW 30)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) (LW 19)	31. Indianapolis Colts (0-6) (LW 31)
16. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) (LW 17)	32. Miami Dolphins (0-5) (LW 32)

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