NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are League's Biggest Wild Cards?

In comparison to the obvious contenders within each conference, there's always a couple of "wild cards" (not the actual wild card teams) who have the ability to compete, but may end up failing to do so.

On the other hand, these are also the teams very capable of dominating if they catch fire, because their upside is just as powerful against opponents as their downside is against themselves.

Here are two "wild cards" (remember, not the wild card winners) from each conference to keep an eye on this season.

Tennessee Titans (3-2)

The Titans had their highest of highs when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 2, but Tennessee's lowest came in the Week 1 loss to the now 1-5 Jaguars.

Sure they flipped it around in one week, but they barely defeated the Denver Broncos at home, and then lost on the road against Pittsburgh two weeks later.

It's uncertain as to how consistent they can be on offense with WR Kenny Britt out and RB Chris Johnson lagging because of his holdout.

The Titans have a lot of talent and a solid defense, but they're simply not playing up to their own level each week.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

The toughest part about the Bengals is their youth combined with their division—the AFC North.

Right now Cincy is definitely playing well, however, they still have to play both Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice.

Now include their biggest win (Buffalo) which may not look too impressive if the Bills don't respond after a loss, and Cincy's most disappointing loss (at Denver), where the Broncos are only 1-4.

Make no mistake about it, the Bengals are on the rise, but they'll have to wait another year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Exclude the 48-3 loss to the 49ers in San Fran, and every game Tampa Bay has played this season has been decided by no more than seven points.

Now include the loss to Frisco and the Bucs' appeared to have hit rock bottom, but weren't there long as they defeated New Orleans at home.

That said, the Saints don't play well on the road, and Tampa's other three wins come against teams who combine for a 4-14 record.

And perhaps the schedule is what hurts them in the long run, because after their bye week, Tampa has only three home games to six away games.

Washington Redskins (3-2)

After a great start, the Redskins have dropped two of their last three games and are in a division where it appears that anything goes.

The NFC East is the most wide-open division this season, and Washington has arguably been on the forefront of that since its Week 1 win over the Giants (high point).

But, last week was the low point when QB Rex Grossman threw four picks against a desperate Philly team at home.

Now, Washington does have a great defense, but they're not good enough to overcome turnovers on a weekly basis, so unless new starting QB John Beck can be a game manager, the Redskins may ultimately disappoint—to be fair, however, that disappointment would come as no surprise. 

Week 7 NFL 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)

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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