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2012 NFL power rankings: How bright is the future for the Rams?

Virtually eliminated from the playoffs, the focus on the Rams has turned to a possibly bright future.

By Adam Stites
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The final home game of the season for the Rams was a chance to get a statement win and put the team in the hunt for a playoff spot. However, hope of the season continuing into January is all but gone after a 36-22 loss to the Vikings in which Adrian Peterson accumulated 212 yards rushing.

But the loss didn't do much to dissuade many football experts to stay positive about the future of the Rams franchise. With multiple first-round picks in each of the next two drafts and plenty of youth to build with, Joel Thorman of SB Nation is among those that spoke of the future in his latest power rankings:

20. St. Louis Rams (LW: 19, 6-7-1): A seven or eight win season would raise expectations in St. Louis for next season.

The loss didn't change the Rams' ranking in the ESPN power rankings, but Mike Sando presented a confusing trend:

17. The Rams have somehow beaten the 49ers, and lost at home to Christian Ponder and Mark Sanchez. (Sando)

While many are optimistic about the future of the Rams franchise, Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk isn't so sold on the future of the team as long as Sam Bradford is at the helm:

19. Rams: Sooner or later, this team has to confront the quarterback question.

The Rams finish up their season with back-to-back road games against the Buccaneers and Seahawks.