NFL Power Rankings: 3 Teams Stuck in a State of Freefall

The following three franchises that are stuck in free fall all have a similar problem; they started off really well early in the season, but have been stonewalled since.

It's a matter of inconsistent focus and the exposure of their weaknesses, which have gotten the best of them. Hence, there will be no surprise if all three miss the playoffs.

Buffalo Bills (5-3)

The Bills started out 3-0 but are 2-3 since, and have only scored over 30 points one time in the last five weeks, as opposed to Weeks 1 through 3 where they hit over 30 each time.

Not to mention their pass and rush defenses ranks No. 25 and No. 21, respectively, and their offense isn't quite there yet on solely being able to win games each week.

Buffalo's defense relies on turnovers, but that only lasts so long because opposing offenses will then adjust to more careful game plans, slow down the Bills offense, and then methodically wear out their defense. No one cares how they win, just as long as they win.

And in Buffalo's case, they must figure out a way to force more punts defensively, otherwise we're going to see what happened against the Jets last week (slowing down Buffalo's offense and limiting their defense's chances at turnovers), happen each week of the final eight weeks.

San Diego Chargers (4-4)

The Chargers began the season 4-1 but have lost three straight games, and now their chances at winning the AFC West are in dire straits.

The Bolts continue to play up or down to their opponent's level and it has cost them dearly. Playing down to K.C., Minnesota and Denver makes it so much more difficult to match the elitist that are Green Bay and New England (although the Pats are beginning to falter a bit).

In addition, QB Philip Rivers is simply not playing well. On the year he has thrown just 11 TDs to 14 picks. Definitely not indicative of him, but it's shown to hurt San Diego.

And unless the Bolts fix their mentality and fundamental mistakes, 2011 will have been lost long before it even actually concludes.

Tennessee Titans (4-4)

Tennessee began 2011 with a 3-1 record and looked like one of the more legit franchises, especially after winning over Baltimore and on the road in Cleveland.

But, then the Pittsburgh Steelers knocked them off their high horse in Week 5 and it hasn't been nearly as good since.

Including the road loss to the Steelers, the Titans are just 1-3 in their last four games, with the lone win coming over the winless Colts at home. Tennessee even had two weeks to prepare for the Houston Texans in Week 7, but were blasted 41-7 at home and thus made Houston the immediate divisional frontrunner.

And it's not like the Titans schedule will get any easier. Five of the final eight games are on the road, including three of their next four.

Based on how bad the Titans have played in their last four games, going on the road is only going to be that much harder. It just goes to show how important training camp is, so maybe Chris Johnson will show up for it in 2012.

Week 10 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (* = MNF Teams)

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

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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