NFL Power Rankings: Bad Teams with Reasons for Hope in 2012

Generally speaking, a team with fewer than four wins after 13 games doesn't have many reasons to believe. After all, it's mathematically impossible to finish the season at .500 or better. 

While that's generally true, it's not the case here. Running the table wouldn't bring a winning season to any one of these teams. Still, there's reason to believe that 2012 and beyond will be significantly better than what they've experienced in 2011. 

Carolina Panthers

Offensively, this team has pieces in place. They could use a receiver to line up on the other side of Steve Smith, but this team needs a defense.

The good news is that Ron Rivera is the man running the show in Carolina. As a player and coach, his past is 100 percent defensive. 

This is the kind of team that should trade what will be a high draft pick down and draft some depth at on the defensive side of the ball. But whatever they do, Rivera has done enough to believe that he'll build a strong defense. 

On the other end of the ball, they have Cam Newton. As great as he's been, Newton still has a lot of improving to do, which is scary. This team will be a force in 2012. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

This team needs a receiver in a bad way. Given how conservative they've been on offense and the targets he's had, it's impossible to really assess Blaine Gabbert this season. I still like him as a quarterback.

Maurice Jones-Drew is still one of the best backs in the game and the defense gives plenty of reason for hope in Jacksonville. 

The AFC South is not a particularly daunting division. So if the Jaguars bring in a top receiver (like Justin Blackmon), this team clearly has what it takes to be a sleeper playoff contender in 2012.

Miami Dolphins

All of a sudden, this team looks competent. Given how inept they were in the first half of the season, that's something I never thought I would say after 13 games.

The truth is that I can't see them not going for a quarterback in the draft. This is a team that's still looking for Dan Marino's replacement. In reality, I like Matt Moore. This team would benefit more by improving in the secondary, or in the receiving corps. 

But even if they go for a quarterback, this will be a stronger team in 2012. The running attack is solid and unlike many bad teams, they are capable of stopping the run. That's a strong foundation for a good team.

Michael Dixon's Week 15 NFL Power Rankings

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

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