NFL Power Rankings Week 7: Where Do the 49ers Rank, and Is There a New No. 1?

Here are my NFL Power Rankings for Week 7.

After an intriguing set of games in Week 6, we've learned even more about key elements that can help us develop a better understanding of each team.

The San Francisco 49ers won their first game of the season, the Patriots were able to knock off the Ravens, and the Vikings were able to edge out the Cowboys.  

So, let's find out how all that and more affect my weekly power rankings.

32. Carolina Panthers (0-5)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Matt Moore #3 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to throw a pass during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Ge

Week 6: Bye

Last Week's Ranking: 32

The Carolina Panthers made a switch back to Matt Moore at quarterback, after rookie Jimmy Clausen posted a pathetic 52.2 passer rating.

We'll see if that can get them out of this ditch. 

This Week: vs. San Francisco 49ers

31. Buffalo Bills (0-5)

Week 6: Bye

Last Week's Ranking: 31

Even though this is one of the worst teams in the league, they have a strong pass defense and a pleasant surprise in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who has a passer rating of 99.9

This Week: @ Baltimore Ravens

30. Cleveland Browns (1-5)

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns hands the ball off to Peyton Hillis #40 during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Image

Week 6: Lost 28-10 to Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Week's Ranking: 30

The Browns have been absolutely horrendous this season, yet they have some bright spots including rookie quarterback Colt McCoy who had a solid performance in his first official NFL start. 

This Week: @ New Orleans Saints

29. Oakland Raiders (2-4)

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OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 17-9 to San Francisco 49ers

Last Week's Ranking: 25

The Oakland Raiders went right back to their dysfunctional ways last week as they looked horrible against the 49ers last week.

So much for turning their season around with a win over the Chargers.

This Week: @ Denver Broncos

28. Detroit Lions (1-5)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions rushes past the tackle of Kenny Phillips #21 of the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 28-20 to New York Giants

Last Week's Ranking: 27 (-1)

The Lions may only have one win, but they've been competitive in most of their games and are definitely on the verge of breaking free from the NFL's basement. 

This Week: Bye

27. San Francisco 49ers (1-5)

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 17-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get

Week 6: Won 17-9 over Oakland Raiders

Last Week's Ranking: 29 (+2)

The 49ers got their first win of the season, but they still have major issues to address.

Most importantly, they must fix their problem with penalties as they committed 11 for 143 yards against the Raiders.

This Week: @ Carolina Panthers

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 10: Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates what he thinks is a touchdown that was called back for a penalty in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Orc

Week 6: Lost 30-3 to Tennessee Titans

Last Week's Ranking: 19 (-7)

In a game that was critical for the Jaguars in so many different reasons, I can't believe they put out the type of performance they did.

This team is in a huge mess, and needs to make some changes quickly.

This Week: @ Kansas City Chiefs

25. Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Chad Ochocinco #85 and teammate Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals wait for a play against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Pho

Week 6: Bye

Last Week's Ranking: 23 (-2)

Statistically, this team is relatively solid. However, Carson Palmer and his costly turnovers are killing this team right now.

Losses against teams like the Browns and Buccaneers are simply unacceptable.

This Week: @ Atlanta Falcons

24. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 3: Earl Thomas #29 and Colin Cole #90 both of the Seattle Seahawks celebrate Thomas' interception against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Seahawks 20-3. (Photo

Week 6: Won 23-20 over Chicago Bears

Last Week's Ranking: 26 (+2)

The Seattle Seahawks are one of the most inconsistent teams in the league and I've yet to truly figure them out. One moment it appears as if they're going to turn the tide, and then the next they're back down in the dumps. 

I guess we'll just have to wait and see for them to display their true colors.

This Week: vs. Arizona Cardinals

23. Dallas Cowboys (1-4)

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 24-21 to Minnesota Vikings

Last Week's Ranking: 21 (-2)

The Dallas Cowboys may be talented on paper. However, they seem to have had the life sucked out of them, and are playing the worst football I've ever seen them play. 

Luckily, they'll have a chance to redeem themselves on the national stage this week. 

This Week: vs. New York Giants

22. Denver Broncos (2-4)

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BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos audibles against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Players wore pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Ravens defeated th

Week 6: Lost 24-20 to New York Jets

Last Week's Ranking: 24 (+2)

Kyle Orton is one of the most underrated players in the league, but he needs more help if the team wants to get on the winning track.

This Week: vs. Oakland Raiders

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 31-6 to New Orleans Saints

Last Week's Ranking: 17 (-4)

The Buccaneers got off to a fast start but they've started to cool off.

Also note that they've yet to beat a team more talented than them.

This Week: vs. St. Louis Rams

20. San Diego Chargers (2-4)

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers huddles his team together during their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Week 6: Lost 20-17 to St. Louis Rams

Last Week's Ranking: 18 (-2)

Surprisingly, the Chargers rank 1st in terms of total yards on offense and total yards allowed on defense.

Even stranger, they only have two wins to show for it. 

This Week: vs. New England Patriots

19. St. Louis Rams (3-3)

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 3: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome on October 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Seahawks 20-3. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 20-17 over San Diego Chargers

Last Week's Ranking: 28 (+9)

The Rams have been a pleasant surprise this year as their No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford has made a fluid transition to the pros and led them to victories. 

At the same time, they need to be more consistent on a week-to-week basis. 

This Week: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

18. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates with teammates after scoring on a 8 yard touchdown reception against the Oakland Raiders during the thrid quarter of the NFL game at the University of Pho

Week 6: Bye

Last Week's Ranking: 22 (+4)

Despite losing several key players during the offseason and enduring a major quarterback reshuffle, the Arizona Cardinals have found themselves atop the NFC West.

Of course, that doesn't count for much nowadays.

What does, however, is beating the defending Super Bowl champions.

This Week: @ Seattle Seahawks

17. Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Cowboys

Week 6: Won 24-21 over Dallas Cowboys

Last Week's Ranking: 20 (+3)

The Minnesota Vikings were able to fend away the 'Boys in the Panic Bowl, but will that be enough to turn their season around?

This Week: @ Green Bay Packers

16. Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 35-31 to Houston Texans

Last Week's Ranking: 14 (-2)

After getting off to a 3-0 start, the Chiefs have dropped two straight. Of course, that pass interference call may have been the determining factor in the Texans game. 

Nonetheless, they've looked strong and have been competitive.

This Week: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

15. Miami Dolphins (3-2)

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MIAMI - OCTOBER 25: Running back Ronnie Brown #23 of the Miami Dolphins looks for room to run against the New Orleans Saints at Land Shark Stadium on October 25, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 23-20 (OT) over Green Bay Packers 

Last Week's Ranking: 15 (+1)

The Dolphins are playing as a complete football team, yet I'm not sure if they're ready to truly battle with the Jets and Patriots in the AFC East.

This Week: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

14. Chicago Bears (4-2)

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 23-20 to Seattle Seahawks

Last Week's Ranking: 9 (-5)

The Chicago Bears may have a respectable record, but they surely haven't been playing at that level.

They've dropped two of their last three, and need to turn things up a notch (or two).

This Week: vs. Washington Redskins

13. Washington Redskins (3-3)

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins celebrates after throwing a first quater touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim Mc

Week 6: Lost 27-24 to Indianapolis Colts

Last Week's Ranking: 12 (-1)

The Redskins may seem like a mediocre tea, but they've been able to win their two division games and took it to the wire against the defending AFC champions.

It'll be interesting to see if they can take it over the hump.

This Week: @ Chicago Bears

12. Green Bay Packers (3-3)

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LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 10, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 23-20 (OT) to Miami Dolphins

Last Week's Ranking: 10 (-2)

The Packers were widely considered a preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl. Fast forward to the present and they're displaying weaknesses at every level.

Sure, they've been impacted by injuries. Nonetheless, true contenders overcome adversity.

This Week: vs. Minnesota Vikings

11. Houston Texans (4-2)

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HOUSTON - OCTOBER 10: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans in action during the game against the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 35-31 over Kansas City Chiefs

Last Week's Ranking: 11

DeMeco Ryans is ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon, which creates even more problems for one of the worst defenses in the league.

The offense can't keep carrying this team forever.

This Week: Bye

10. Tennessee Titans (4-2)

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 18: Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 18, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 30-3 over Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Week's Ranking: 13 (+3)

The Titans are subtly playing like one of the premier teams in the league. They're clicking as one and winning together with a group effort.

If they continue to play like this, I could potentially see them fighting in the playoff race until the end. 

This Week: vs. Philadelphis Eagles

9. Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 17: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 17, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Week 6: Lost 28-10 to Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week's Ranking: 4 (-5)

The Falcons were on a roll up until they landed a clunker against the Eagles.

They need to fix up a few issues on defense before they take the next step forward.

This Week: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

8. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 10: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on October 10, 2010 in San Francisco, California.(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 28-10 over Atlanta Falcons

Last Week's Ranking: 16 (+8)

Even  though the quarterback situation has been on a roller coaster ride all season long, the Eagles have found themselves tied for first in the NFC East.

This Week: @ Tennessee Titans

7. New Orleans Saints (4-2)

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 30-

Week 6: Won 31-6 over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Week's Ranking: 7 

The defending Super Bowl Champions played like so last week against the Buccaneers and proved that they're still a force to reckon with.

This Week: vs. Cleveland Browns

6. New York Giants (4-2)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Louis Delmas #26 of the Detroit Lions tackles Ahmad Bradshaw #44 of the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 28-20 over Detroit Lions

Last Week's Ranking: 8 (+2)

Heading into the season, I projected the Giants to be a sleeper team that would make some noise IF they could get back to their '07 form that won them the Super Bowl.

Over the past few weeks, they've done exactly that.

This Week: @ Dallas Cowboys

5. Indianapolis Colts (4-2)

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws while taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on October 3, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 27-24 over Washington Redskins

Last Week's Ranking: 5

Despite being derailed by injuries, Peyton Manning has been able to lead the Colts to greatness. As long as he's at the helm, they will remain an elite team.

This Week: Bye

4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

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BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER 26: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Browns 24-17. (Photo by Larry French/Get

Week 6: Lost 23-20 to New England Patriots

Last Week's Ranking: 1 (-3)

The Ravens may have lost to the Patriots, but there's no denying that this is a complete football team capable of making a serious run this year.

This Week: vs. Buffalo Bills

3. New England Patriots (4-1)

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 17: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 23-20 over Baltimore Ravens

Last Week's Ranking: 6 (+3)

Even without Randy Moss, the Patriots found a way to knock off whom I considered to be the best team in the NFL.

This Week: @ San Diego Chargers

2. New York Jets (4-1)

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the New York Jets celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 24-20 over Denver Broncos

Last Week's Ranking: 2

The Jets are on a five-game winning streak heading into their bye week. I believe all their critics have been silenced. This team looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

This Week; Bye

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1)

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 02: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls out signals during the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on September 2, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Week 6: Won 28-10 over Cleveland Browns

Last Week's Ranking: 2 (+1)

Ben Roethlisberger returned from his suspension and threw three touchdowns on the Steelers way to another dominant victory. This team has handled the situation very well, and their record proves it. 

This Week: @ Miami Dolphins