NFL Power Rankings Week 7: New York Giants and 3 Teams on the Rise

As a fan of a team on the rise, it almost doesn't get any better because that's when the momentum begins to hit near full force.

With that in mind, the following three teams are on the rise and beginning to become legit contenders within their respective conference.

New York Giants (4-2)

Who's to really say what the Giants identity is exactly, but nonetheless, a win is a win is a win.

And after losing to Seattle it appeared that New York was on the down fall, but a quick response victory over the Buffalo Bills negated the disappointing loss.

That said, the Giants look to be the current front-runners in the NFC East. However, let's not get too hyped-up on them yet because their final nine games are tough, especially with New England, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Green Bay yet to play.

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)

Thus far you could make the argument that the Steelers have feasted off a rather weak schedule, because wins over Seattle, Indianapolis, Tennessee, and Jacksonville (combined record of 6-16, three of four were at home) isn't that impressive.

However, after the dismal start it could have been easy to just lay low, but this is Pittsburgh were talking about and they're never out of the playoff race until they're actually out.

Only New England, Baltimore, and San Francisco pit as their tough remaining games (Cincy still has some proving to do), so the Steelers should once again make the postseason without any problems.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

The Buccaneers may have beaten the Saints at home, but New Orleans is a bad road team so the win isn't too impressive.

But Tampa's only two losses have come against Detroit and San Francisco, two teams which combine for a 10-2 record.

As long as Ronde Barber and company can continue to win the games their supposed to win, the Bucs could very well contend for the NFC South title, and possibly the NFC title if they improve on the road.

They are a team on the rise, but much like the New York Giants, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. Tampa can be just as inconsistent as they are good.

Week 7 Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank) (* = MNF Teams)

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

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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