NFL Power Rankings: New York Jets and Teams That Are Ready for Massive Jumps

Things look bad for the Jets, but there are signs of hope. They will climb the power rankings and be in playoff contention before too long.

They aren't the only team ready to climb up the rankings.

*Power rankings according to ESPN.

No. 8 Pittsburgh Steelers

On second thought, the Steelers' defense may not be old and slow after all. After the Steelers gave up 20 points to the Colts in Week 3, and then lost to the Texans the following week, people were closing the book on the Steelers.

However, The Steelers only allowed 17 points to a solid Texans offense, and they followed that up by destroying the Titans, 38-17.

The Steelers' next two games are against the Jaguars and the Cardinals. The Steelers will be 5-2 at that point and considered one of the best teams in the AFC again.

No. 11 Oakland Raiders

The Raiders took a big jump after their emotional triumph in Houston. On the surface, it would seem like it would be hard for them to jump much higher than that. That is, until you look at the schedule.

The Raiders' next seven opponents are a combined 12-21. Only one of their opponents is over .500. Here are their next seven opponents. Take a look at their next seven opponents: Browns (2-2), Chiefs (2-3), Broncos (1-4), Chargers (4-1), Vikings (1-4), Bears (2-3), Dolphins (0-4).

The Raiders will likely be favored to win six out of those seven. If they do win those, they will be sitting at 9-3.

No. 17 New York Jets

The Jets have lost three straight games, but they proved something in their last loss: They can still run the ball.

Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson combined for 23 carries and 96 yards. These are not numbers to write home about, but they did come against a solid Patriots run defense and it coincided with the return of their center Nick Mangold.

They should win their next game easily against the Dolphins. They will then host the Chargers. I expect the Jets to use their rediscovered ground game to win a game against a Chargers team that is not as good as their record suggests.

This will find the Jets entering their bye week 4-3 with people talking playoffs again.