NFL Power Rankings: Which Mediocre Teams Are Capable of a Deep Playoff Run?

The Lombardi Trophy is supposed to be handed out to the best team in the NFL. But like all championship trophies, it's really handed out to the hottest team, which isn't always the best team in the league.

The 2010 Green Bay Packers are a perfect example. They had a good season last year, but they weren't exactly a regular season juggernaut. They just happened to catch fire at the right time, and then they became a juggernaut.

We could see something similar happen this year. For kicks, why don't we discuss which mediocre teams might catch fire and make a deep playoff run?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19)

I'm not gonna lie, I expected the Bucs to be much better this year. I figured Josh Freeman would build on the success he enjoyed at the end of 2010, and he just hasn't done that. Not yet, anyway.

Getting Freeman going is only one thing the Bucs need to do. Their defense has taken a step back this season, and they've had to resort to madness like picking up Albert Haynesworth. 

Nonetheless, this team was 4-2 not too long ago, and they have the potential to be dangerous if they find a way to overcome their various flaws. Getting Freeman to up to his capabilities will be key, but the Bucs should also get a boost from a second-half schedule that isn't quite as rocky as the first half.

San Diego Chargers (No. 16)

The Chargers are an easy team to make fun of. They've had some good seasons in recent years, but they have developed a well-earned reputation for being perennial underachievers.

They're up to their old tricks this year, as they're 4-4 and trending downwards. If they lose to the Oakland Raiders on Thursday night, their season could very well be headed towards a downward spiral.

However, I've been saying all along this year that this team merely needs Philip Rivers to play like his usual self, and it will take off. I expect Rivers to break out against a bad Raiders defense, and he and the Chargers could be on their way if he does.

Before you label Rivers as an overrated hack who is only good at racking up stats, remember that this is a guy who has gone as far as the AFC Championship Game before. And when he got there, he played on a torn ACL.

Dallas Cowboys (No. 15)

I know what you're thinking. There's no way the Cowboys are going anywhere as long as they have Tony Romo under center.

Admittedly, I'm on the fence about the idea myself. I think the only way the Cowboys are going anywhere is if they don't need Romo to do too much.

I actually think that's a possibility. The Cowboys have a strong defense and their schedule down the stretch is very favorable. They'll need some help in the wild-card chase, but they could definitely sneak into the playoffs. Then they'll just need to get hot.

Goodness knows this team is due for a hot run in the postseason.

Zachary D. Rymer's Week 10 Power Rankings

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