NFL Power Rankings: Looking at Teams Simply Stuck in the Mud

Two teams that currently sit at 4-4 on the season just can't seem to get much going. For every accomplishment, it seems a setback always follows.

These aren't dull teams, to be sure, but they're certainly finding it hard to find those one or two things that could propel them into the tops of the power rankings.

The Dallas Cowboys exemplify a stuck team. They're on yet another roller coaster season that's equally as entertaining as it is infuriating, with dramatic overtime wins augmented by flat offensive performances and everything in between.

While injuries certainly have an impact on Dallas' up-and-down performance, much of it also hinges on unreliable play from quarterback Tony Romo.

Overall, the Cowboys have had success over the poorer teams on their schedule thus far (save their overtime win against the San Francisco 49ers) while falling to the league's tougher squads, such as the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.

Until they can prove that they've got what it takes to win big games against serious contenders, they'll be stuck in the middle of the power rankings pack, without much chance to make it out.

The same goes for the Tennessee Titans, a 4-4 team that started strong but has since been struggling to maintain any momentum, let alone consistency.

That starts with the running game. Starting back Chris Johnson has just 366 on 121 carries this season and one score and was nearly replaced by his backup, Javon Ringer, after disappointing his team week after week.

Of course, losing starting wide receiver Kenny Britt to a knee injury hasn't helped the Titans on their quest to take the once wide-open AFC South, but their inconsistent defense isn't doing the team any favors, either.

With the Carolina Panthers up ahead, the Titans have a good chance to have a winning record once again. But considering how unpredictable the team has been, Cam Newton and company could grab another win of their own in Week 10.

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

*Subject to change pending outcome of Monday night's Bears-Eagles contest