NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Which Teams Won't Recover from Current Slides?

Playing in a league with only 16 games means every one is vitally important. Even a short losing streak can derail a once promising season, and there are several teams learning that first hand in 2011.

Here are three struggling teams that won't be able to right the ship.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins were 3-1 when they went into their bye week, and the team that emerged hasn't been nearly as good. They've lost three straight games by a combined 43 points, and John Beck hasn't been any more productive than Rex Grossman at quarterback.

With Dallas and Philadelphia both expected to be on the rise in the season's second half, it's hard to imagine Washington bouncing back quickly enough to stay out of the NFC East basement. And it will likely stay that way until they get more playmakers on offense.

Projected final ranking: 27

Cleveland Browns

After a 2-1 start, Cleveland's offense has fallen apart without Peyton Hillis leading the way. Colt McCoy hasn't shown any elite quarterback traits, but it's impossible to tell his true potential until he gets more weapons to utilize, and the Browns front office might not be willing to wait that long.

Six of the Browns' remaining nine games are against playoff contenders, so the schedule isn't doing them any favors, either. While the roster does have some nice pieces, there just isn't enough depth for them to turn it around this season.

Projected final ranking: 25

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle was able to qualify for the playoffs last season thanks to a weak NFC West, but a repeat performance isn't in the cards. The quarterback position is in turmoil, and the Seahawks running game isn't good enough to overcome the lack of an aerial threat.

This is a situation where Seattle could turn it around because of a favorable schedule, but nothing from its last two outings gives fans the belief it will happen. Drafting one of next April's top QB prospects should be priority No. 1 for the front office.

Projected final ranking: 28

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