NFL Predictions: 4 Teams Who Will Play Spoiler Down the Stretch

Whenever you're feeling down or you're mad about something, for some sick reason it always make you feel better to make someone else as miserable as you.

It's no different in the NFL. A team that quickly falls out of contention loves when it can spoil the season of another.

There are a few teams that don't have a realistic shot at the playoffs this season, but do have the opportunity to ruin the chances of other teams.

Here are four teams that are no longer contenders and why they'll play spoiler down the stretch.

Sources: ESPN, Rotoworld.com, NFL.com

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are 3-3 after taking a 41-7 beatdown from the Houston Texans on Sunday, their worst home loss of all time.

They looked decent in the weeks following their Week 1 loss to the Jaguars, but they've barely beaten bad teams and have been dominated by the good teams.

Their supposed best player, Chris Johnson, hasn't shown up this season and their running game is last in the league. It isn't likely they can turn things around unless Johnson turns it up five notches, the defense plays better and Kenny Britt's ACL untears itself.

However, what is likely is their ability to play spoiler the rest of the way.

Why They'll Play Spoiler

I forgot to mention that the Titans did, in fact, beat a good team back in Week 2. They knocked off the Baltimore Ravens 26-13.

Matt Hasselbeck had been hot earlier in the season, but he's cooled off in recent weeks. If he can get it going again, maybe the Titans can pull another team down with them.

They play the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Buccaneers in consecutive weeks, giving them a great opportunity to alter the landscape of the NFC wild card race.

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton has been everything the Carolina Panthers had hoped for in a No. 1 draft pick, but that doesn't mean they've become instant contenders. This team still has a lot of work to do.

Maybe they'll be able to challenge in the NFC South next year, but rectifying a 2-14 season doesn't happen overnight.

Needless to say, they're headed in the right direction.

Why They'll Play Spoiler

The Panthers have nearly beaten the defending champion Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints this season, meaning they have loads of potential to cause havoc in the NFC South and in the entire conference.

Their offense isn't too shabby as long as their defense can keep up. Cam Newton can win a few more games this year for his new team if his running game can back him up.

While they will be done after Week 17, Carolina will certainly cause some problems with the Falcons, Saints, Lions and Buccaneers coming up.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings haven't been contenders since Brett Favre retired, and now that they've benched McNabb, even they're admitting that their season is over.

Their non-existent secondary and shaky quarterback situation has sent them to the bottom of the NFC North.

The Vikes need a new stadium and a new coach.

Why They'll Play Spoiler

Minnesota was a touchdown drive away from ruining the Packers' perfect season, proving that the team is capable of spoiling any other team's season now that its own is already in the tank.

They play several teams with hopes of sneaking into the playoffs after their bye week, including the Falcons, Bears, Lions and Raiders.

If Christian Ponder can get better as he goes, the Vikes may be able to string a few wins together and crush the postseason hopes of these teams. They've still got Adrian Peterson and a very dangerous defensive line.

Washington Redskins

Rex Grossman predicted an NFC East title for the Washington Redskins this year before he was even declared the starting quarterback, and everyone thought he was either insane or, well, insane.

After all, the Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be the "Dream Team," and even the Cowboys and Giants looked like contenders.

The 'Skins started out 3-0 and Grossman did, in fact, begin the year at quarterback, but now he's riding the bench wishing he never tried his hand at prophesying.

Washington has lost three straight, Tim Hightower's done for the season, and Chris Cooley and Santana Moss will be out for a while.

The Redskins are likely to continue their collapse to the cellar of the division. However, that doesn't mean they can't ruin the hopes of their rivals as the year goes on...

Why They'll Play Spoiler

The Redskins will face each of their division rivals once during the remainder of the season. While the Eagles, Giants and Cowboys will be battling for the top spot and maybe a wild-card slot, Washington will be in position to grab some revenge in a lost season.

They've proved they can compete with all three teams, but the most interesting contest will take place in Week 17 in Philadelphia.

The Eagles, who are currently 2-4, have the personnel to bounce back if Michael Vick can stay healthy, and the last week of the season could be pivotal for them to make the playoffs.

The Redskins, who will likely have Cooley and Moss back by that time, would love to end their season on a high note by ending the Eagles' as well.