NFL Power Rankings Week 10: How Each Team Can Improve This Season

With Week 10 of the NFL season right around the corner, there is still plenty of time for each team to improve some area of their game. And yes, even the undefeated Green Bay Packers have plenty of room for improvement.

From the winless Indianapolis Colts to the out-of-nowhere dominant San Francisco 49ers, here are the NFL's Week 10 power rankings as we specifically look at how each team can improve this season.

32. Indianapolis Colts

Where to even begin with the Indianapolis Colts? There are so many areas to improve for this team that it would take a few days to cover how they could improve this season.

So, instead of doing that, we'll just look at their biggest need of improvement, which is their running game. The last time the Colts had any real threat on the ground was when Edgerrin James was carrying the ball for them and that was over six years ago.

Their current trio of running backs, Delone Carter, Donald Brown and Joseph Addai, need to become a bigger part of the offense. While neither of these guys are ultra-talented, when they combine their rushing abilities, they should be able to muster a somewhat respectable ground game.

The Colts need to rely on their running backs more as the season progresses, so that when Peyton Manning does return, he won't suffer another neck injury from carrying the entire team on his shoulders.

31. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are in a similar boat to the Indianapolis Colts because they have a bunch of areas to improve. However, the best way I can see this team improving this season is by getting Reggie Bush more involved in the offense.

In the Dolphins last two games, one being a victory and the other a very close loss, Bush totaled 195 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards. That was 46 percent and 41 percent of his season totals in those respective categories.

The truth is that even though Bush has been labeled a major bust, he can still play and he is still extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands. If Miami wants to have any chance the rest of the season, they need to figure out how to continue to consistently put the ball in Bush's hands.

30. Seattle Seahawks

Well, I think the Tarvaris Jackson experiment in Seattle is officially over. After another horrid performance by Jackson, I can't see how the Seattle Seahawks can honestly keep playing him.

Which brings us to how this team can improve. They can improve by benching Jackson. I know that Charlie Whitehurst might not be a better option, but right now, anyone would be better than Jackson.

This offense needs to be run through Marshawn Lynch anyways, so does it really matter who hands him the ball? As long as that quarterback is competent enough to give Lynch the football without fumbling, I don't see how it really matters.

The best case scenario for Seattle is that they get Andrew Luck in the 2012 NFL Draft. The best way for them to improve this season is by benching Jackson. It's that simple.

29. St. Louis Rams

After an extremely impressive performance two weeks ago against the New Orleans Saints, it was a major disappointment to see the St. Louis Rams sputter against the Arizona Cardinals. It would have been nice to see a good victory turn this team's season around, but it doesn't look like that will happen.

If the Rams want to improve, and get out of the cellar of the worst division in football, they need to improve their pass defense. I'm sorry, but when John Skelton is throwing for over 200 yards against your secondary, some changes need to be made.

I hate to pick on one player, but Al Harris needs to go. He is simply too old for the type of coverage that he excels at.

While I still believe that the Rams are headed in the right direction as a franchise, until they shore up their pass defense, they will be underachievers.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Is there any player that is flying under the radar more than Maurice Jones-Drew this season? Honestly, MJD is having a career year, but no one can notice because of how awful the Jacksonville Jaguars have been.

While the biggest reason for Jacksonville's rough times has been their quarterback play, what they can do to improve is stick with Blaine Gabbert. The kid is only a rookie and coming out of college, he was widely respected as the safest quarterback prospect of the entire bunch. Gabbert can play and the Jaguars need to keep playing him.

Sure, they will probably lose plenty of games this year, but Gabbert will get valuable playing time to ready him for the future.

27. Denver Broncos

I'm going to try and go this whole slide without talking about Tim Tebow....starting now.

Even though the Denver Broncos won on Sunday, it had nothing to do with the aforementioned player and his incredible ability to poorly throw the football. The Oakland Raiders' defense gave up big play after big play and basically gave away the game.

This is why the Broncos need to develop Von Miller (I know you thought I was going to say that one name) into a more complete linebacker in order to improve this season. Miller has been a pass rushing beast this year and one of the lone bright spots for Denver.

However, if they truly want to improve as a team, Miller needs to become a better all-around linebacker. He needs to be just as good at dropping into coverage or stopping the run as he is at pressuring the quarterback.

For Denver to have a legitimate chance at improving for the future, they need to forget about that very popular guy for no reason at quarterback and focus on Miller. He has the potential to become an absolute game changer like DeMarcus Ware.

26. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been an interesting team this year because they have played quite a few close games that they have lost. Had the dice rolled a different way, this team could easily be 4-4 or 5-3 instead of 2-6.

Sometimes teams just have that type of season and this year it appears to be happening to Arizona. So, while Cardinals' fans shouldn't be overly concerned right now, it would be nice to see some improvement in the relationship between Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald.

These two players are going to be playing together for many years to come, and while this year may already be a lost cause, the future is still bright. If Kolb and Fitzgerald can create a special bond, they could become an extremely dangerous duo.

If that means that Kolb needs to target Fitzgerald 30 times a game, so be it. I'm totally convinced that he will catch the majority of the balls thrown his way.

25. Minnesota Vikings

With Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson leading the way in Minnesota, I truly believe that it won't be long before the Minnesota Vikings are rising up the rankings in the NFL.

What they need to improve for the remainder of this year is to keep focused on giving Peterson the football. Three times this season, Peterson has received less than 20 carries in a game. Only twice has he carried the ball 25 or more times.

There is no reason why the best running back in the game should not get 25 carries a game. So often it seems like the Vikings panic once they get down and completely forget about Peterson.

I love what Ponder has shown he can do, but Peterson is one of the most exciting players in the league. Give him the ball.

24. Carolina Panthers

The fact that the Carolina Panthers are this highly ranked after having the top draft pick in last year's draft is a very good sign for the future.

This is a team that looks better than their 2-6 record. Maybe only one or two games better, but definitely better. Cam Newton is going to be a star and there is no doubting that.

What would be nice to see this team improve in would be getting some of their younger receivers like Brandon LaFell and Legedu Naanee more involved in the offense. Steve Smith has been incredible, but he won't be able to play forever and Newton is going to need to find a new favorite target sooner than later.

If LaFell of Naanee can find a similar rhythm with Newton as Smith has, this team could become very dangerous very quick.

23. Kansas City Chiefs

Ummmm, what happened last week Kansas City Chiefs? You were on an impressive four-game winning streak and then you get beat by 28 points by the Miami Dolphins?

What the Chiefs need to do to improve for the rest of the season is play consistent football. In their four losses, they have been outscored by a score of 140-30. That just isn't right.

I understand that teams lose games, but getting outscored by 110 points in four losses is embarrassing. I'd feel much better about this team if they were only losing close games. Getting blown out by a team that hasn't won a game all season long is moving in the wrong direction.

Consistent football is the key for Kansas City. In fact, they should put that phrase all over their locker room to remind them what they need to do week after week.

22. Washington Redskins

I honestly don't know what to think about the Washington Redskins anymore. They started out 3-1, but have since lost four games in a row. Which team is the real Redskins?

As far as improvement goes for this team, I believe that they need to find an identity on offense. Are they going to be a run first team or a pass first team? Whichever they chose, they need to move in that direction full steam.

They may not have the correct personnel on their team to be successful at their new offensive identity, but if they at least decide on an identity, they can start moving in that direction.

21. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans can improve by motivating Chris Johnson. That simple task could make this team a contender in the AFC South.

However, it hasn't proved to be very simple so far this season. Johnson is only averaging a measly 45.8 rushing yards per game. That is simply unacceptable for someone who demanded to get paid before he would play.

I liked the fact that Tennessee split carries between Javon Ringer and Johnson for a game. If they continue to do that, they may get the old Chris Johnson back, and if that happens, they may sneak into the playoffs.

20. Cleveland Browns

I really expected more from the Cleveland Browns this year. Sure, they haven't been terrible, but I also haven't seen much improvement on offense this year.

Cleveland's defense looks very good and very young, so there isn't much to improve on that side of the football. The main way this team can improve is to cut ties with Peyton Hillis.

Look, I was as enthralled by Hillis last year as anyone, but the truth of the situation is that he isn't the same player this year. It would be a whole different story if he was actually out on the field trying, but that isn't the case.

There have been too many excuses from Hillis and it is the main reason why this team isn't progressing on offense. If they cut ties with Hillis, they will actually be able to move in a positive direction.

19. Dallas Cowboys

There are two ways that the Dallas Cowboys can improve this season.

First, they can stop giving the ball to Tony Romo so much. He should no longer be the focal point of this offense.

That honor should go to DeMarco Murray and by putting the ball in his hands more often is the second way the Cowboys can improve this season. In his three starts this season he has been absolutely dominant.

The future for Dallas is Murray and not Romo.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If I had to pick a team right now as the biggest disappointment of the 2011 season, it would have to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After finishing last year with a 10-6 record and being a preseason favorite to contend for the NFC South crown, the Buccaneers have not been impressive at all this year.

The biggest problem for this team, and the area that they need to improve in, has been the inability for Josh Freeman and Mike Williams to connect. Last year, this duo looked like one of the best in the league. However, Williams only has one touchdown reception this year and Freeman has thrown for nearly twice as many interceptions than he did last year.

If Tampa Bay wants to improve this season, and stay in contention for their division, the combination of Freeman to Williams needs to be rekindled.

17. San Diego Chargers

The San Diego Chargers are another team that just seem to go so hot and cold. They started the season 4-1 and looked to be in easy control of the AFC West division. However, after three straight losses, they don't appear to be that dominant of a team.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what has gone wrong with this team. They have a very good offense and a solid defense, but they just aren't playing fundamentally sound football. This is why they need to improve on making less costly mistakes.

Against the Green Bay Packers, the Chargers had back-to-back drives that ended in an interception returned for a touchdown. Those 14 points were ultimately what lost them that game.

If the Chargers, and especially Philip Rivers and Mike Tolbert, can be smart with the ball in their hands, this team should run away with the division title.

16. Oakland Raiders

When the Oakland Raiders traded huge for Carson Palmer, I don't think this is what they expected. Three touchdowns to six interceptions while completing less than 50 percent of your passes isn't exactly impressive.

What the Raiders need to do to improve is make Palmer comfortable. They need to encourage him and simplify their playbook.

A big part of this will happen when Darren McFadden returns from injury and takes a ton of pressure of Palmer. However, until then, the Raiders need to get Palmer comfortable and in a nice offensive groove.

15. Philadelphia Eagles

This may seem a little high of a ranking for a team that is currently tied for last place in their division, but the Philadelphia Eagles are still an extremely talented team. While 3-5 is by no means a good record, a late push can still put them into the playoffs.

In order to succeed with that late push the Eagles need to improve at protecting Michael Vick. This has been their problem all year long, and until they fix their offensive line, they won't be a threat to anyone.

While Vick is extremely effective outside the pocket and on the run, he is better when those are designed plays rather than broken plays. If you look at what Philadelphia and Vick did last year, the reason they were so good was because Vick actually had protection.

For the Eagles to chase down the New York Giants and earn a playoff berth, they need to improve at keeping Vick off his back.

14. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have easily been the biggest surprise of the season. At 5-3, they are currently tied for the division lead in the AFC East.

Where the Bills can improve is in their pass coverage. In each of their three losses, opposing quarterbacks have had a field day against them. Whenever you allow Mark Sanchez to have a good game through the air against you, you know it's time to fix your secondary.

Buffalo has a legitimate chance at beating out the New York Jets and New England Patriots for a playoff berth, but the only way they will be able to do that is if they improve against the pass.

13. Chicago Bears

There are three words that Chicago Bears fans need to be working on right now. Matt Forte is two of those words and MVP is the last word.

Forte is having quite the season and is a dark horse MVP candidate. The way that the Bears can improve is by locking up Forte for the rest of his life.

It really doesn't matter how much money they need to throw at him, they need to do it, and do it soon. He is a special player who is basically the entire offense for Chicago. I'd much rather have Forte than any other player on the Bears' roster.

Whatever Chicago needs to do to sign Forte to a long contract needs to be done for this team to improve.

12. Cincinnati Bengals

You have to love the way Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals are playing football right now. They may not be winning pretty, but they are winning nonetheless.

It's hard to find a fault in the way this team is playing, but one area they could definitely improve in is their pass rush. While the Bengals rank in the middle of the pack with 20 team sacks this season, they need to be able to get more pressure on the quarterback if they want a legitimate chance to win their division.

With the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers both excelling at getting after the quarterback, the Bengals need to follow suit. The best way to counteract pressure on your quarterback is by applying pressure to the opposing quarterback.

Cincinnati has a great chance to sneak away with a playoff berth, but in order to do so, they will need to improve their pass rush.

11. New York Jets

The entire offense for the New York Jets can be improved. They are currently the fifth worst team in total offensive yards per game.

To be honest, this has been the problem with the Jets in recent years. They have a great defense, but their offense struggles mightily.

The way they can improve their offense is by getting their playmakers more involved. Santonio Holmes is too dangerous to be only averaging 43 receiving yards a game. The same goes for LaDainian Tomlinson and Plaxico Burress. These are players that excel with the ball in their hands, and New York needs to do a better job at allowing them to make plays.

Some of that starts with Mark Sanchez, but the majority of that is in the play-calling. They need to get creative and allow their star players to do what they do best.

10. Atlanta Falcons

I'll keep this simple. Get the ball in Julio Jones' hands.

If the Atlanta Falcons want to improve, they need to put the ball in Jones' hands as often as possible. He is finally at full strength, and we saw what he did on Sunday when given the opportunity to perform. He had 131 receiving yards and two touchdowns on only three receptions.

When you give Jones twice as many opportunities with the ball that comes out to 262 receiving yards and four touchdowns. See where I'm going with this?

As good as Roddy White is, Jones is going to be better. On Sunday, he showed just how good he can be.

9. Houston Texans

For the first time ever, I feel confident calling the Houston Texans a top-10 team in the NFL. They are currently riding a three-game winning streak, and that is without their best player, Andre Johnson.

In fact, the Texans are playing so well on both sides of the football that the only thing they can do to improve for the remainder of the season is to successfully bring back Johnson. You see, losing your best player for an extended period of time is a difficult thing, but it can sometimes be even more difficult when he finally comes back.

When Johnson returns, Houston is going to be anxious to get the ball in his hands, which they should be. However, the can't be too anxious and forget about how they got to a 6-3 record, mainly Arian Foster.

The Texans are in control of the AFC South and they can run away with the division if they implement Johnson correctly back into their offense.

8. Detroit Lions

When the Detroit Lions started the season 5-0, I'm quite sure that the entire state of Michigan had their jaws drop to the floor.

After losing two straight games, the Lions finally got back on the winning side of things before heading into their bye week last week. Now that they are facing the difficult portion of their schedule, what they will need to do to improve is embrace their villain status.

The NFL needs a "bad boy" team and Detroit has been that team so far this season, especially on the defensive side of the football. Instead of arguing and trying to prove people that they are wrong, the Lions need to embrace the "bad boy" image. This will allow them to do what they do best, play hard and sometimes dirty football.

A little intimidation can go a long ways in life, and that is equally true in the NFL.

7. New England Patriots

How could the New England Patriots improve this season? Well, when you rank last in pass defense and total defensive yards given up, I think it's pretty clear that New England needs to improve in coverage.

While the Patriots weren't great against the pass last year, this year they have been atrocious. They've been dominated by every opposing quarterback they have faced.

The big problem is that they aren't causing as many turnovers as they did last year. Even though a team gives up a bunch of yards, if they force turnovers, it doesn't really matter how many yards they give up. That just isn't happening for the Patriots this year.

So, to improve, they need to get back the elite play of guys like Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung. They need these guys to start making plays in the secondary so all those yards they give up don't matter.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

Sure, the Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a loss, but they played extremely well the entire game, and lost on a late-game touchdown pass.

Which brings us to how the Steelers can improve this season, which is by getting rid of Ryan Clark. The truth is that when Clark isn't getting fined for leading with his head on tackles, he is getting beat in coverage. Allowing Torrey Smith to get behind him on Sunday night was what lost the game for Pittsburgh.

I understand that there may not be many options to replace Clark with, but it is time for him to go. They will be an improved team without him.

5. New York Giants

It's officially time to start recognizing the New York Giants as an elite team in the NFL. With a win over San Francisco in Week 10, they would have to be considered the second best team in the NFC.

Where the Giants need to improve is in their run defense. While they have been the best in the league at pressuring quarterbacks, and one of the top teams at stopping the pass, they have had difficulty all year long against the ground game.

With the winter quickly approaching, teams are going to be determined to run more and more. If New York can't improve against the run, that is bad news for this team.

4. New Orleans Saints

After an extremely puzzling loss to the St. Louis Rams, the New Orleans Saints came back and played very well against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, even in a victory, the Saints defense played inconsistent football. This is how New Orleans can improve, by playing consistent defense.

Too often do the Saints give up big plays because of lack of communication or stupid mistakes. There is too much talent on that side of the football to be doing things like that. The coaching staff needs to get this defense all on the same page.

Unless the defense starts to put together some truly strong performances, I can't see the Saints making a deep playoff run.

3. Baltimore Ravens

The victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, propelled the Baltimore Ravens into a top spot in the power rankings. While this team has been so up-and-down this season, they are still one of the best teams in the NFL.

What the Ravens need to to do improve is to not play down to their level of competition. With games remaining against the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore needs to come to play in those games.

They've already lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and nearly lost to the Arizona Cardinals, which are two teams that they should have beat handily. For Baltimore to win their division, and become the team to beat in the AFC, they need to not play down to their level of competition.

2. San Francisco 49ers

At 7-1, with six straight victories, the San Francisco 49ers are easily the second best team in the NFL. In fact, they may have one of the most complete teams in the entire NFL.

Their offense is not great, but it is solid, and they don't make many mistakes. The 49ers also boast the best defense in the league. So, how can such a complete team improve?

They can still improve through the air. Jim Harbaugh has done a great job with Alex Smith, but the NFL has become a passing league and to have a legitimate chance at winning the Super Bowl, you have to be able to pass the ball.

That means that the 49ers need to start letting Smith air it out a little more. Sure, he may throw some interceptions, but they are going to need that type of play come January and February.

For a team that has been extremely dominant this year, they still need to improve at throwing the football.

1. Green Bay Packers

Even though the Green Bay Packers are 8-0, and are the best team in the NFL without a doubt, they actually have a ton of areas to improve in.

The big area of improvement is on defense. Yes, every aspect of their defense needs to improve. From their pass rush to run defense to the play of their secondary, Green Bay's defense has been a major disappointment this year.

The Packers have been winning shootouts all year long, and while their offense has been nearly unstoppable, there is going to be a time when they will be stopped. That means that the defense is going to need to make plays for them to win that game.

For Green Bay to remain undefeated, and remain as Super Bowl favorites, their entire defensive unit needs to play better football.