NFL Power Rankings: Reinvigorated Squads That Will Continue to Surge in Week 6

The Miami Dolphins shocked the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, using a strong defense, a grind-it-out running game and the improved play of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill to emerge victorious, 17-13.

The Dolphins are one of several reinvigorated teams that figure to continue rolling in Week 6 as we get close to the midway point of the 2012-2013 NFL campaign.

Here's a look at teams that will continue to surge in Week 6, complete with my power rankings below.

Minnesota Vikings (at Washington Redskins)

The Vikings defense is for real this season and so is its up-and-coming quarterback.

Minnesota has held opponents to 15.8 points per game (sixth in the NFL) while allowing just 6.1 yards per pass attempt (fourth) and 3.2 yards per carry (second).

After shocking the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, the Vikings have won their last two games against the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans and are no longer to be taken lightly.

Second-year quarterback Christian Ponder is quietly showing strides after struggling in his rookie campaign.

If Robert Griffin III starts for the Redskins after sustaining a concussion last week, he will be a test for the Vikings defense. 

On the other hand, the defense has shown it's up to the task this season while Washington's has not.

Pittsburgh Steelers (at Tennessee Titans)

Not only are the Titans 1-4 and cursed with perhaps the worst defense in the league, starting quarterback Jake Locker will be held out of Week 6 after dislocating his left shoulder for the second time this season against the Houston Texans.

Fun times.

The Steelers are not world-beaters anymore, but a hard-fought 16-14 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles has them feeling good and running back Rashard Mendenhall provided a boost after coming back from injury.

Miami Dolphins (vs. St. Louis Rams)

This was a tough call, particularly after the Rams' 17-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last week, but the Miami defense is coming together, The running game is grinding out yardage behind Reggie Bush and rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill has looked much better the past two weeks after a dreadful start to the season.

The Rams' secondary is no joke, but the run defense still leaves a bit to be desired (allowing 4.4 yards per carry, 23rd in the NFL) and I think Miami's running game will do enough to edge the Rams.

Remember, this is a Dolphins team that just beat a good Cincinnati Bengals squad.

NFL Power Rankings Week 6

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