NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Fading at the Worst Possible Time?

Almost every NFL team will go through a dry spell or two during the course of a regular season. The timing of those struggles is crucial, though. When they come to close to the end of the season, like they have for the three teams below, it can lead to heartbreak.

Houston Texans

Houston was able to overcome the loss of Matt Schaub for awhile, but that critical loss appears to be catching up with the Texans. They have suffered back-to-back losses, including one to the lowly Indianapolis Colts, and it will likely end up costing them an opening-round bye.

Perhaps the most concerning thing for the Texans is that Arian Foster is producing at terrific levels and they still can't find ways to win. T.J. Yates just hasn't provided enough in the passing game, especially in key situations.

With just one more game until the playoffs begin, the Texans are running out of time to strike the right balance. If they can't find their way on offense, an early playoff loss wouldn't be a surprise.

New York Jets

The Jets have made a habit out of coming up big when it matters most in recent seasons. That doesn't appear like it will be the case in 2011 as losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants have left their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.

Rex Ryan seems committed to Mark Sanchez, which is a stance he should strongly reconsider during the offseason. Sanchez can't be trusted to lead an offense. He's been carried by a stout defense and without it, the Jets never make the runs they have the last few years.

New York needs to enter next season with a more clear direction on offense. The ground-and-pound style suits them best and probably would have been enough to earn a couple more wins if they started out with it from day one this year.

Denver Broncos

That void you feel in your daily sports routine is the lack of Tim Tebow coverage over the last couple weeks. After a couple blowout losses, Tebow mania has died down and the Broncos face a must-win situation against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Denver's defense, which had been a major reason for the resurgence, has reverted back to early-season form. They haven't been able to generate nearly as much pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leaving the secondary to get exposed.

The Broncos need to turn things around on Sunday. Otherwise all of their hard work in the middle of the season will go unnoticed. They did beat the Chiefs once already, so all hope is not lost in Denver.

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