NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Identifying the NFL's Most Disappointing Teams

To define "disappointing team" in the NFL, you have to look at clubs that fall short of expectations. 

I mean, really, after Peyton Manning went down, were you ready for another 12-4 season from the Colts?

Me either. 

There are a handful of teams that, right now, have certainly been disappointing...

Dallas Cowboys

I'm so sick of hearing about how much talent the Cowboys have before every season. 

Sure, they have some talented players, but what team doesn't?

I honestly think the lofty expectations set for them each season is part of the reason why they seemingly fall short of them every year. 

When the defense plays well, the offense turns the ball over too many times or can't get the run game going. When Romo is on, the defense gets gashed. 

No consistency whatsoever, and the Eagles exploited that last evening. 

Minnesota Vikings

Okay, so the McNabb experiment went haywire. 

Fine. 

But isn't Jared Allen still on the defensive line?

How about Adrian Peterson in the backfield?

Just checkin'. 

The Vikings got a win this week in Carolina (on a last-second miss by the Panthers' Olindo Mare), but to be sitting at 2-6 through eight games is unacceptable, especially with all the first-half leads they've had this season.

Miami Dolphins

Last year, the Dolphins had one of the more intimidating defenses in the NFL. Cameron Wake was a terror rushing the quarterback, and the linebacking corps, led by Karlos Dansby was among the league's best. 

Chad Henne showed glimpses of brilliance that made us believe he could be a franchise quarterback, and they had Brandon Marshall. 

Fast forward a year, and the Dolphins are 0-8, Chad Henne's hurt, their defense is 27th against the pass and Marshall has one touchdown. 

They simply cannot finish games, as was evidenced last week against the Broncos and this week against the Giants. 

Bad teams lose the way Miami has lost the last two Sundays. 

Complete Week 9 Power Rankings

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

*Monday Night Football matchup