NFL Power Rankings: Bad Teams That Will Finish the Season Strong

A bad team isn't always bad just because it doesn't have good players. Obviously, that has something to do with it, but it's not the only factor. 

Some teams are just given very difficult early-season schedules. That's not really an excuse, but when you start with a few good opponents and then are consistently bombarded, it's hard to get back on track. 

Well, these teams are finally in a stretch of games that suits them a little better. No, I am not predicting  they will make the playoffs or run the table, but the rest of the season will be much kinder in terms of wins and losses.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams get five divisional games in their final seven contests. While two of them are against the 49ers, one of those is a home date in the regular-season finale that will likely mean nothing to the 49ers.

Don't be surprised if San Francisco plays its starters sparingly there. 

The Rams are just not a bad team. It wouldn't at all surprise me to see them get to 5-11, or even 6-10. That doesn't sound all that great, but when you start 0-6, that's not a bad way to finish.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are a downright scary team. Their record is 2-7, and it should be. Carolina's defense is just bad right now. 

But if you need to win a game late in the season, the sight of Cam Newton is nothing short of terrifying.

When you look at the rest of the schedule on paper, only the Colts are a team that Carolina should beat. But don't be at all surprised to see them steal another win or two.

I fully expect them to be at about 5-11 this year. If they draft well, their team will be nothing short of terrifying in 2012.

Jacksonville Jaguars

I really like Jacksonville's defense. Playing in Jacksonville on a 3-6 team really hurts the Jaguars' recognition, but this is a terrifying unit that can pull some big upsets down the stretch.

I also really like Blaine Gabbert and if Jacksonville turns him loose this year, their offense will be better than expected. 

In an AFC South division that is completely unpredictable looking forward, look for the Jaguars to finish the season with some momentum built towards 2012.

Michael Dixon's Week 11 NFL Power Rankings

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