NFL Power Rankings: Oakland Raiders and 3 Most Surprising Contenders

If I had said before the 2011 season that the Raiders, 49ers, Lions and Bills would have 18 combined wins after six weeks, how many people would have thought I was crazy? That's exactly where we stand today. 

They make up the most surprising contenders of the 2011 season thus far.  

Oakland Raiders (4-2)

Losing Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone is a tough loss, but the Raiders have fought their way to four wins in Hue Jackson's first season in charge. The running game has been a huge reason, as Oakland ranks second in the NFL with 160 yards a contest. With Kansas City, Denver and Minnesota making up three of the next four games, the Raiders could easily 7-3 after 10 games. Plus, with both games against the Chargers left, anything can happen in the AFC West. No Campbell or not, the Raiders can still make the playoffs in 2011. 

San Francisco 49ers (5-1)

Remember all that talk about teams with new head coaches who were going to struggle because of the lockout? The 49ers aren't one of them. Jim Harbaugh is making sure Mike Singletary never becomes a head coach again, as his 5-1 'Niners are essentially the same team that Singletary couldn't get to the playoffs despite being the most talented team in the NFC West. Alex Smith has a confidence about his play that we haven't seen since he was drafted first overall in 2005. Looking at the 49ers' schedule, this team could be on their way to 11 or 12 wins.

Detroit Lions (5-1)

Falling at home to the 49ers takes some shine off the Lions' unexpected start, but I'd guess that Lions fans would have taken a 5-1 record after six games without hesitation before the season. Jahvid Best's concussion issue is certainly something to watch. Still, the Lions offense is dangerous enough in the passing game to make up for any loss in the running game. Detroit is no longer a pushover, and I'd get to used to that with Schwartz in charge. 

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

The Bills have lost two of three, which puts them on the brink of falling off this list in the coming weeks. The defense has been exposed, and they can't continue to give up huge chunks of yards without having a pass rush. When the turnovers don't come for Buffalo, they fall back into the middle of the NFL pack. On offense, running back Fred Jackson is the game's most underrated back right now. He's made more big plays than any player at his position this season.  

Full Week 7 Power Rankings

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

*Plays Monday night