NFL Power Rankings: Buffalo Bills and More Teams That Will Continue to Fade Away

Several NFL teams have watched promising seasons slip away because of prolonged periods of subpar play. In a season as short as the NFL's, there isn't much room for error. Here are three teams that are learning that lesson as we speak.

Buffalo Bills

Remember when the Bills pulled off a stunning comeback against the New England Patriots in Week 3 and sat atop the football world? Don't worry, not many people outside of Buffalo do. The Bills are currently on a five-game losing streak, and their playoff hopes are dead.

Their defense transformed from a turnover machine into one of the league's most porous units, while the offense struggled to generate any rhythm after dominating during the first month. Injuries have played a role for sure, but the roster lacks sufficient talent.

Projected Final Ranking: 28

Philadelphia Eagles

After cruising past the St. Louis Rams in Week 1, the Eagles bandwagon was filling up at a rapid pace. The “Dream Team” then proceeded to lose four straight games as their season spiraled out of control. They've shown glimpses of incredible talent, but it's been mostly massive disappointment.

Now, all that's left is a team in turmoil. Michael Vick is injured and struggled even before the injury. DeSean Jackson is disgruntled. And Andy Reid has to deal with constant speculation about his job status. Not exactly what they had in mind during training camp.

Projected Final Ranking: 27

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Even though they didn't make the playoffs, Tampa Bay was one of the NFL's biggest surprises last season at 10-6. The Bucs seemed destined for another solid season after beating New Orleans to become 4-2, but they have dropped six straight since that emotional triumph.

Probably the biggest reason for their downfall has been poor play from Josh Freeman. He has 14 total touchdowns and 17 turnovers, a ratio that isn't conducive to winning games. Only once all season has he topped a QB rating of 100 after doing it seven times last year.

Projected Final Ranking: 24

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