NFL Power Rankings: Bottom-Feeders That Still Hope to Salvage the Season

The Detroit Lions have shown us that sparking at the end of a disappointing campaign can lead to a firestorm the next season.

After winning their last four games last season, the Lions are 8-5 and in position to claim a wild card spot in the NFC.

Here are three bottom-feeders who are out of the playoff picture but have a shot at going into the offseason on a high note.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)

The Jaguars looked bad before Week 14, but last week saw them explode against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, racking up 41 points behind running back Maurice Jones-Drew's four touchdowns.

It's worth nothing that this team has been hampered by injuries this season, as a whopping 27 players being placed on injured reserve.

It's also worth noting that No. 10 overall pick Blaine Gabbert is a developing quarterback. He hasn't shown much, yet but there's still room for him to get things together.

Also, the defense has generally been good this season, allowing 19.4 points per game.

2. Washington Redskins (4-9)

Let's be clear: nobody under center is going to propel the Redskins to the playoffs anytime soon.

But they do have a young, emerging defense and rookie running back Roy Helu has been a revelation, rushing for 582 yards on 4.7 yards per carry.

The Redskins also battled the New England Patriots to the end in Week 14, inciting a yelling match between quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien.

1. Miami Dolphins (4-9)

The Dolphins had an ugly game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, but they've actually been much better overall in the second half of the season.

Before the Eagles game, the Dolphins had won four of their last five games, and their only loss was a one-point nail-biter against the Dallas Cowboys.

The defense has actually been pretty solid as the season has gone on, allowing 18.9 points per game, and running back Reggie Bush has had a resurgence.

There are still questions about quarterback Matt Moore, but this team is better overall than its 4-9 record indicates.