NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are League's Real Contenders?

Each season brings out the best and worst of every franchise, and through two weeks of football there are already some clears contenders in Green Bay, New England and New Orleans.

Those teams are a given, so let's look at three teams who are also contenders but may not be getting the same recognition as their fellow NFL foes.

Houston Texans

As one of the seven remaining undefeated teams, the Houston Texans are quite elite within the elite.

Yes, they are 2-0, but they've only beaten the 0-2 Peyton Manning-less Indianapolis Colts and the 0-2 Miami Dolphins.

However, winning those games is what was expected of them, and that's indicative of a team that has set a certain standard for themselves.

Also, winning those games they're supposed to win—that's what makes them contenders.

As the year progresses, the schedule gets tougher with New Orleans and Pittsburgh in Weeks 3 and 4, along with Atlanta later on down the line, but taking those steps and making the transition from good to great is how you become a contender.

Sure, they may struggle against the more-established contenders, but how else are they going to learn what it really takes to get on the next level?

Houston is for real, even though their first two opponents have a combined record of 0-4.

Detroit Lions

Much like the Houston Texans, the Detroit Lions were expected to be a lot better in 2011.

Well, they have yet to disappoint and are 2-0 with wins over Tampa Bay and Kansas City.

In addition, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings appear to be on the fritz, which only helps The Motor City and increases their NFC North odds.

Also count the fact that they do in fact have a rather favorable schedule, and the Lions already position themselves as NFC playoff contender.

Yes, it's going to be difficult battling the Green Bay Packers as they are the current standard; however, a healthy Detroit team is very dangerous and will make a lot more noise than previously anticipated.

Don't be surprised if the Lions punch a ticket for the NFC title game.

New York Jets

Each season the Jets keep getting better and better, yet they always seem to be under a lot of pressure regardless of how they perform.

Of course, being located in the New York City area doesn't take any of that pressure away, but after losing two consecutive AFC Championship games, it's uncertain as to whether they can get over that hump.

As expected, the Jets will be exchanging blows with their AFC East rival New England for the division title, but just because Tom Brady is still under center doesn't automatically crown the Patriots.

Last season New York bested them twice, so really the division title between these two is a moot point.

Mark Sanchez has proven to be a much better playoff QB than his productivity in the regular season, but it could surely help if he plays better in the regular season, as that would make the Jets' road to the Super Bow much easier.

All in all, the three teams mentioned have a golden opportunity this year to really capitalize on some serious talent and momentum.

The only question remaining is who's going to be left standing when the smoke clears?

Week 3 Power Rankings

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

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

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