NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Which Teams Are Already Out of Playoff Contention?

Okay, we know this much through the first seven weeks of the 2011 NFL season in terms of those out of the postseason; St. Louis, Indy, Miami, Jacksonville, Minnesota and Arizona have no shot.

So, there's no sense in addressing something that is virtually irrelevant. That said, there are three teams who aren't technically out of playoff contention, but you know there's really no chance of seeing them in pro football's second season.

Washington Redskins (3-3)

It was fun while it lasted Washington, because although you're stint was rather short, twas bound to end sooner than later. With an average receiving core, rushing attack and below average QBs, the offense wasn't going to play like Weeks 1 and 2 on a consistent basis.

And for as solid as the defense is, they're simply not good enough yet to carry a team. Also, the NFC East is only going to get one playoff team. The Redskins aren't better than Dallas or Philadelphia—already proven—and although three divisional games remain, the odds are against them.

Plus the 17-10 road win over St. Louis wasn't impressive, especially for as bad as the Rams are. Maybe in 2012 they'll have a QB who can make their WRs better.

Cleveland Browns (3-3)

It's simple for Cleveland, their division is just too good for them, period. Sure they still have two cracks at the Steelers and Ravens, but the 6-3 win over Seattle was barely watchable.

To make matters worse, their three wins come against teams with a combined record of 2-17, so despite being 3-3, the Browns are going to be lucky is they finish 6-10.

They screwed up in the draft, but have a chance to redeem themselves in 2012. For the sake of their fans let's hope they don't trade down again and draft players who didn't play college football the year before.

Carolina Panthers (2-5)

Much like the Browns, Carolina is in the same boat when it comes to their division. The NFC South is simply just too good for the Panthers right now.

However, the difference with Carolina is that their on the upswing, have played a very difficult schedule to this point, and really have no bad losses. They are clearly better than their indicated record.

2012 will be an exciting season for Carolina fans, because for as good as Cam Newton is playing now, just imagine what he can do if the Panthers draft him a stud WR. Sure the defense needs work, but they'll get LB Jon Beason back as well.

2011 on the other hand, is strictly a rebuilding and learning season, which by no means is a bad thing. Newton is the future and he's a damn good player to build around.

Week 8 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (* = MNF Teams)

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

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