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NFL Power Rankings: 10 NFL Players Who May Be Sinking on the Depth Chart

The NFL is a cruel league. One week, a player looks like they are the next best thing and then before you know it, they are yesterday’s news and someone else has taken their place.

This can happen for a variety of reasons including injuries, age, ineffectiveness or a combination of things.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for players, but it comes with the game. Take for example Arian Foster.

Foster burst onto the NFL landscape last season thanks to injuries by guys ahead of him on the depth chart, mainly Ben Tate. Now this season, the tables have turned and Tate is the primary back as Foster is battling injuries.

Now, that’s not to say Foster won’t reclaim his starting spot, but it wouldn’t be the most outrageous thing if it happened and I think it would be fair to say Tate has earned himself a share of the backfield workload.

That’s the way of life in the NFL.

Here are 10 players who could find themselves sinking down the depth chart sooner than later.

1. Arian Foster

It’s been a frustrating start to the season for Arian Foster.

He injured his hamstring on the first day of training camp only to return in the second preseason game, where he ran for two touchdowns. He re-injured himself in the third preseason game, causing him to miss Week 1.

He made his season debut only to re-injure his hamstring again in the second half. Foster didn’t play in Week 3 and it’s not yet known if he will be available next week.

In his absence, Ben Tate has been taking full advantage, running for over 300 yards with an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger and this could be a season-long problem Foster may have to fight.

Remember, Tate was going to be the starter last year before suffering a season-ending injury in training camp so you know the coaching staff has high hopes for him.

2. Donovan McNabb

The Minnesota Vikings acquired another veteran quarterback this offseason in Donovan McNabb.

McNabb was coming off a rough stint with the Washington Redskins, but there was no way he could be worse than Brett Favre was last year, right?

Not so fast. McNabb was putrid in the season opener, throwing for a miserable 39 yards. He has rebounded somewhat in the past two games, but there was really nowhere to go but up.

McNabb has shown no mobility in the pocket and hasn’t been accurate with his passes. With the Vikings at 0-3, it’s looks like we will be seeing Christian Ponder sooner than many people expected.

3. Hines Ward

Hines Ward has been a valuable member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 13 seasons. Now in his 14th year, the 35-year-old might be better off playing a reduced role.

Ward is still an efficient receiver and a devastating blocker, but he is not the target he once was.

The Steelers have two young pass catchers who are oozing with potential in Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Both have flashed greatness at times, but don’t get enough playing time as they are low on the totem pole.

Don’t be surprised to see these two players get more playing time at the expense of Ward as the season progresses, showing what they are capable of.

4. Shonn Greene

“This is finally the week Shonn Greene is going to break out.” I feel like I’ve heard someone utter that phrase a hundred times. It’s now three games into his third season and we’re still waiting.

Greene was supposed to be the lead back last season, but has been overshadowed by LaDainian Tomlinson. Going into this season, the coaching staff made it clear Greene was going to be the bell cow and even Tomlinson admitted he was accepting a reduced role.

Greene, however, has failed to rise to the occasion.

He had a great opportunity this past Sunday in Oakland, but looked slow hitting the hole and showed no explosiveness. Once again, he is being outplayed by the 32-year-old Tomlinson.

Many questioned the Jets when they drafted Bilal Powell, a running back, in the fourth round of April’s draft, but it makes a lot more sense now with Greene struggling. Don’t forget they also have Joe McKnight in reserve as well.

If Green continues to falter, expect to see the other backs get some playing time.

5. Kerry Collins

The Indianapolis Colts brought in Kerry Collins during training camp as veteran insurance in case Peyton Manning couldn’t make a full recovery. They weren’t expecting him to be Manning, but hoped he could lead a playoff team from last year to a decent season.

The results have been ugly so far. Collins has completed less than 50 percent of his passes and is averaging under 5.0 yards per attempt.

Collins suffered a concussion during Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and coach Jim Caldwell admitted he is considering a quarterback change even if Collins is cleared to play.

With this season looking all but over for the Colts, it makes sense to give backup Curtis Painter a shot.

6. Rashard Mendenhall

Rashard Mendenhall’s inclusion on this list might surprise you, but if you take a deeper look, it won’t.

Mendenhall has struggled this season, failing to average more than four yards per carry in any game.He hasn’t faced a murderers row of defenses either.

Looking back at the end of season, it has been five games since Mendenhall has averaged over four yards per carry and his last 100-yard game in the regular season came in Week 12 of 2010.

Mendenhall isn’t going to benched right now and probably won’t be anytime soon. However, the numbers are discouraging to see. The schedule does look brighter looking forward so Mendenhall has a chance to get back on track.

7. Reggie Bush

The Miami Dolphins made a splash in the offseason when they traded for Reggie Bush. The running back had his ups and downs with the New Orleans Saints, but now had a chance at a fresh start with the Dolphins.

The season got off to a rocky start and has gotten even worse since then. Bush is now averaging under three yards per carry. He is being completely outplayed by rookie Daniel Thomas, who has put together two straight games of over 100 total yards.

Bush is supposed to, at his best, catch the ball out of the backfield, but has only caught two passes in the last two games. He fumbled twice on Sunday, losing one of them.

Bush will be continued to be phased out of the offense as the Dolphins feature Thomas.

8. Lee Evans

Lee Evans picked the wrong week to be injured.

Playing in place of Evans on Sunday was rookie second-round pick Torrey Smith and to say he played well would be an understatement. Smith went off for 152 yards and three touchdowns against the St. Louis Rams.

The Baltimore Ravens brought Evans in to be a deep threat, but they already one on their roster. Smith toasted the Rams secondary for touchdowns of 71 and 41 yards in the first quarter.

Evans only managed two catches in his first two games with the Ravens. By the time Evans is fully healed, his starting job might be gone.

9. Ryan Grant

Ryan Grant turned back the clock on Sunday, rushing for 92 yards on just 17 carries against the Chicago Bears. Even with that performance, the arrow isn’t pointing up for Grant.

Through the first two weeks James Starks more than doubled Grant’s snap count and outproduced him in yards per touch. The tables turned in Week 3, but don’t expect that to be the norm.

Starks is more explosive, powerful and younger than Grant. The Green Bay Packers know this and will continue to give Starks more of the workload going forward. Consider this past week to be more of an aberration.

10. Nate Burleson

Nate Burleson has been a key cog on the Detroit Lions offense that has propelled the team to a 3-0 start.

The self proclaimed “Black Wes Welker” has been a nice complement to Calvin Johnson, averaging 55 yards per game. While Burleson isn’t playing bad by any stretch, his playing time might shrink going forward.

Are the Giants Elite?

The New York Giants have undoubtedly been one of the surprise team of the NFL season. At 6-2, they sit alone atop the NFC East and in power rankings. But are they really one of the NFL’s elite teams?

Week One: Giants 31, Panthers 18

A win against arguably the worst team in the NFL. They were losing 16-14 at halftime.

Week Two: Giants 14, Colts 38

An embarrassing loss on national TV.

Week Three: Giants 10, Titans 29

Another loss to an AFC team. This one was by 19 at home.

Week Four: Giants 17, Bears 3

Knocked Jay Cutler out at halftime. Todd Collins has no business being an NFL QB.

Week Five: Giants 34, Texans 10

A nice win, but the Texans have proven their an average team.

Week Six: Giants 28, Lions 20

The Lions are improved, but Sean Hill was playing quarterback and the Lions have lost 24 straight on the road.

Week Seven: Giants 41, Cowboys 35

Who hasn’t beaten the Cowboys this season?

Week Eight: Giants 41, Seahawks 7

Charlie Whitehurst? Seriously?

Now, I’m not saying the Giants are a bad team because bad teams lose a couple of those games they won. But are they really one of the best team’s in the NFL beating QB’s like Matt Moore, Shaun Hill, John Kitna, and Charlie Whitehurt?

Share your thoughts below.

NFL Week 17 Power Rankings

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The Colts may have lost, but they still remain atop the power rankings.  The reason being if their starters play the whole game they’re 15-0 and going for a perfect season against Buffalo this week.

Other than that a few changes at the top, but the top 10 remains the same.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-14) –

Their only win has come against the Lions.

31. Detroit Lions (2-13) –

Their quarterback play without Stafford has been abysmal.

30. Kansas City Chiefs (3-12) -1

Since Larry Johnson was released only Chris Johnson has more rushing yards than Jamaal Charles.

29. Washington Redskins (4-11) -3

Jim Zorn’s assistants are interviewing for the head-coaching job while he still has a job.

28. Seattle Seahawks (5-10) -1

It may be one and done for Jim Mora Jr. in Seattle.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-12) +3

Coming back from down 17-0 in New Orleans is no easy task.

26. Cleveland Browns (4-11) +2

Why hasn’t Jerome Harrison been playing all season?

25. Buffalo Bills (5-10) -1

This team has a lot to address in the off-season.

24. Oakland Raiders (5-10) -1

Al Davis may have to decide between Tom Cable and JaMarcus Russell in the off-season.

23. Chicago Bears (6-9) +2

That’s the Jay cutler the Bears thought they were getting.

22. San Francisco 49ers (7-8) -1

A .500 season wouldn’t be all too bad for the 49ers.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-8) -4

This team has fallen apart in the past few weeks.

20. Miami Dolphins (7-8) -4

This team just can’t seem to get over .500.

19. New York Giants (8-7) -6

The Giants should be embarrassed after that pitiful performance on Sunday.

18. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) –

With a win on Sunday the Falcons will have back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history.

17. Carolina Panthers (7-8) +5

Would the Panthers be in the playoffs if Matt Moore had started the entire season?

NFL Week 16 Power Rankings

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After a nine weeks of no change at the top, we have a new leader. Following their loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night the Saints nine week reign at the top has ended as the Indianapolis Colts take over the top spot.

We also have two more changes in the top 5 as the Vikings fell out of the top 3 and the Bengals fell out of the top 5.

Also the Buccaneers found their way out of the cellar with their win in Seattle.

32. St. Louis Rams (1-13) -1

At least the Rams will likely get the number one pick.

31. Detroit Lions (2-12) -2

Daunte Culpepper should have stayed retired.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-12) +2

A nice win in Seattle, a tough place to play.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (3-11) -1

Their defense and special teams performance was terrible against the Browns.

28. Cleveland Browns (3-11) +2

What took Eric Mangini so long to give Jerome Harrison the ball?

27. Seattle Seahawks (5-9) -1

This is a bad football team.  Jim Mora Jr. may be out of a job in a few weeks.

26. Washington Redskins (4-10) -4

After a couple of nice showings, the Redskins laid an egg on Monday night.

25. Chicago Bears (5-9) -1

Jay Cutler continues to throw more interceptions.

24. Buffalo Bills (5-9) +1

It now looks like Brian Brohm will close the season out as the starter.

23. Oakland Raiders (5-9) +4

The Raiders continue to be the king of the upset.

22. Carolina Panthers (6-8) +1

Matt Moore and Steve Smith had a nice connection going on against the Vikings.

21. San Francisco 49ers (6-8) –

Alex Smith was eaten up by the Eagles defense.

20. Houston Texans (7-7) -1

An ugly win against the Rams.

19. New York Jets (7-7) -3

The blew a golden opportunity missing three field goal attempts.

18. Atlanta Falcons (7-7) +2

After Michael Turner aggravated his ankle injury for a second time, they better shut him down for the season.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) -3

Played the Colts very tough, but couldn’t come out on top. 

NFL Week 15 Power Rankings

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Another week in the books and we have no change at the top.  The top five remains the same with the Green Bay Packers on the outskirts after rising to the six slot.

As we get closer to the playoffs we are really starting to see the rankings crystallize.  No team moved more than two slots up or down this week, a first for the Power Rankings.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-12) -1

Didn’t get a first down until midway through the third quarter and it was on a penalty.

31. St. Louis Rams (1-12) -1

The first career start for Keith Null was a forgettable one.

30.  Cleveland Browns (2-11) +2

Props to Eric Mangini and Rob Ryan for a nice win over the Steelers.

29. Detroit Lions (2-11) –

Maybe Daunte Culpepper should have stayed retired?

28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10) –

The fans are starting to give up on the Chiefs.

27. Oakland Raiders (4-9) -1

JaMarcus Russell will get another shot after Bruce Gradkowski’s injury.

26. Seattle Seahawks (5-8) -1

An embarrassing effort against the Texans.

25. Buffalo Bills (5-8) +2

An ugly win, but a win nevertheless.

24. Chicago Bears (5-8) –

The Bears have now lost seven of their past nine.

23. Carolina Panthers (5-8) -1

The offense has no firepower.

22. Washington Redskins (4-9) +1

The offense has really come around since Sherm Lewis has come aboard.

21. San Francisco 49ers (6-7) –

The 49ers holding on to their slim playoff hopes.

20. Atlanta Falcons (6-7) -1

A valiant effort without Matt Ryan and Michael Turner.

19. Houston Texans (6-7) +1

The Texans ended their four game losing streak, but not in time to save their playoff hopes.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) -2

The ship has sailed for defending champs.  I’d expect some coaching changes in the offseason.

17. Tennessee Titans (6-7) –

Kept their extremely slim playoff hopes alive and get the Dolphins next week.

NFL Week 14 Power Rankings

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The top 4 remain the same, but we have a new number 5, the Cincinnati Bengals, who knocked the Patriots out of the five slot.

The big winner this week is the Miami Dolphins.  They jumped five spots and now sit at number 13 and are only one game out in the AFC East.

The big loser this week is the team the Dolphins beat, the New England Patriots.   After Sunday’s loss the Pats have now dropped two in a row and three out of their last four.

1. New Orleans Saints (12-0) –

Payton said he’s going for the undefeated season.

2. Indianapolis Colts (12-0) –

Meanwhile, Caldwell will sit his starters and the Colts will go home early

3. Minnesota Vikings (10-2) –

Is Favre on the verge of another late season collapse?

4. San Diego Chargers (9-3) –

Finally starting to get credit as one of the elite teams.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (9-3) +1

Ochocinco broke out of a funk and celebrated in style.

6. Arizona Cardinals (8-4) +1

A statement game for the Cards, who are now a force to reckon with in the NFC.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) +2

Vick scores his first touchdown in over three years.

8. Green Bay Packers (8-4) +2

Riding a four game winning streak since they lost to the Bucs.

9. Dallas Cowboys (8-4) -1

Uh oh.  Could another December swoon be on the horizon?

10. Denver Broncos (8-4) +3

After losing four straight this team has come back strong to win two in a row.

NFL Week 13 Power Rankings

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Week 12 is officially in the books and it’s time for those NFL Week 13 Power Rankings.

We have a slight change in the top 5 as the chargers jumped ahead of the Patriots, following their loss to the Saints.

The big winner this week is surprisingly the Buffalo Bills who jumped five spots, but still sit at number 22.  The Titans and Broncos moved up four spots respectively.

The big losers this week are the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins who both dropped four spots and now sit at 5-6, on the outside looking in for the playoff picture.

1. New Orleans Saints (11-0) –

A huge statement game for the Saints as they demolished the Patriots.

2. Indianapolis Colts (11-0) –

The fifth consecutive forth quarter comeback.  Can they keep it up?

3. Minnesota Vikings (10-1) –

This could be the best team in football.  Brett for MVP?

4. San Diego Chargers (8-3) –

This team is firing on all cylinders.

5. New England Patriots (7-4) -1

Brees and the Saints offense was simply too much for the Pats to handle.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (8-3) –

Wrapped up their AFC North schedule finishing 6-0.

7. Arizona Cardinals (7-4) –

Without Warner, on the road, and lost on the last play of the game.  Can’t knock them down for that.

8. Dallas Cowboys (8-3) –

This doesn’t look like an 8-3 team.  Another December swoon could be in line.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (7-4) +1

A tough hard fought win for the Eagles over the division rival ‘Skins.

10. Green Bay Packers (7-4) +2

Suddenly the Packers have won three in a row and are right in the middle of the playoff picture.

NFL Week 12 Power Rankings

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Week 11 is now officially in the books and it’s time to take a look at those Week 12 Power Rankings.

First things first we have some shake up at the top.  We have two new members in the top 5, the Patriots and Chargers, replacing the Bengals and Steelers.

The big winner this week is the Tennessee Titans, who jumped six spots and now sit at number 15 in the rankings.  They have won four in a row and are surprisingly back in the playoff hunt.  The other winners were the Dolphins and Jaguars, who each moved up five spots.

The big loser this week is of course the Denver Broncos.  The wheels have completely fallen off and they are now on the outside looking in for the playoffs after starting off 6-0.  Their eight slot dive is the largest single week plunge of the season and the second belongs to the Ravens who this week fell seven spots.

1. New Orleans Saints (10-0) –

2. Indianapolis Colts (10-0) –

3. Minnesota Vikings (9-1) –

4. New England Patriots (7-3) +2

5. San Diego Chargers (7-3) +2

6. Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) -2

7. Arizona Cardinals (7-3) +1

8. Dallas Cowboys (7-3) +2

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) -4

10. Philadelphia Eagles (6-4) +3

11. New York Giants (6-4) +3

12. Green Bay Packers (6-4) +3

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) +5

14. Miami Dolphins (5-5) +5

15. Tennessee Titans (4-6) +6

16. Houston Texans (5-5) -4

NFL Week 11 Power Rankings

Week 10 is now officially in the books and it’s time to take a look at those Week 11 Power Rankings.

First things first, we have a new member in the top 5.  Making its season debut is the Cincinnati Bengals, fresh off a over Pittsburgh.  The Bengals came in at number four and look they they are here to stay.

The big winner this week is the Baltimore Raves, who jumped four spots to number 11 after a dominating win over the Browns.  Six teams moved up three spots.

The big loser this week is the Atlanta Falcons.  The Falcons delivered a less than impressive effort against the Panther and Matt just doesn’t the same.  The Eagles and jets, both dropped four spots.

1. New Orleans Saints (9-0) –

Let the Rams stay around a little too long.

2. Indianapolis Colts (9-0) –

Got a gift from the Pats and capitalized.

3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1) –

The Vikings rolled to an easy victory over the Lions.

4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) +3

A huge statement win for the Bengals, who are in control of the AFC North.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) -1

A sight setback for the defending champs, but a game against the Chiefs should take of that.

6. New England Patriots (6-3) –

A tough loss for the Patriots, who now have the archrival Jets coming to town this week.

7. San Diego Chargers (6-3) +3

The Chargers are on fire having won four in a row heading into their matchup versus the Broncos.

8. Arizona Cardinals (6-3) +3

This team is starting to find its groove again and they get the Rams next week.

9. Denver Broncos (6-3) -3

Three losses in a row and now suddenly the Broncos could be watching the playoffs at home.  A huge game for the division coming up against the Chargers.

10. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) -2

A let down game for the Cowboys, but after four straight win you were kind of expecting it anyway.

11. Baltimore Ravens (5-4) +4

Don’t count the Ravens just yet.  Nex week though, the Colts won’t be as easy the Browns

12. Houston Texans (5-4) +1

Were on a bye this past week and now get the suddenly red hot Titans at home on MNF.

13. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) -4

McNabb put up wonderful stats, but they couldn’t convert in the red zone.  This team will miss Brian Westbrook a lot.

14. New York Giants (5-4) –

The Giants didn’t play on Sunday but picked up ground on a few teams that stumbled.

15. Green Bay Packers (5-4) +2

The Packers needed a win on Sunday and they delivered and are now back in the thick of things.

16. Carolina Panthers (4-5) +3

Don’t look now but the Panthers are coming on strong.  Delhomme has been turnover free recently and Steve Smith found the end zone for the first time all season.

NFL Week 10 Power Rankings

Not too much change this week, as we are starting to get a good idea of who each team is.

No one made a big push up the rankings this week, but the biggest mover was the Cardinals, who jumped up four spots to number 11 after a blowout victory in Chicago.

The big loser this week is the Baltimore Ravens.  The Ravens looked like they turned the corner last week with an impressive victory over the Broncos, but then were beaten by the Bengals to fall back to .500.

1. New Orleans Saints (8-0) –

Got down early but fought back to remain undefeated.

2. Indianapolis Colts (8-0) –

Survived again and are now in complete control of the AFC South.

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1) –

The NFC North leading Vikings had the week off and get the Lions this coming week.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) –

Haven now on five in a row heading into their huge showdown versus the Bengals.

5. Denver Broncos (6-2) -1

Will try to stop the bleeding next week.  Thankfully they get the Redskins.

6. New England Patriots (6-2) –

Overcame the Wildcat to defeat the pesky Dolphins.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) +1

There is no doubting this team anymore.  They are among the AFC’s elite.

8. Dallas Cowboys (6-2) +2

A big time road win in Philly.  Now in sole possession of first place.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) -2

Couldn’t hold sever at home.  Four of their next five are on the road.

10. San Diego Chargers (5-3) +3

Needed some last second heroics to come away with a victory in New York.

11. Arizona Cardinals (5-3) +4

I can’t figure this team out.  They’re undefeated on the road (4-0

), but only 1-3 at home.

12. Atlanta Falcons (5-3) +2

A nice rebound game for the Falcons, who had lost two straight.

13. Houston Texans (5-4) -2

Came o so close against the mighty Colts.

14. New York Giants (5-4) +2

A heartbreaking loss for the Giants, who have lost four in a row heading into the bye.

15. Baltimore Ravens (4-4) -6

Lost all momentum they gained from the Broncos game.

16. New York Jets (4-4) +3

The bye came at a good time for the Jets.  They get the Jags next week.