NFL Power Rankings: Miami Dolphins and More Teams Sure to Rise After Week 7

Generally speaking, a win will move you up in the rankings, while a loss will move you down. My rankings aren't 100 percent in line with the NFL standings, but that logic stands to reason.

But obviously, you can't be too high and make a big jump. Not only do you need to win, but those ahead of you need to lose.

But moving down the list a little bit, a chance for significant improvement is there for a few teams. So, let's take a look at teams that will be in much more impressive positions next week.

Miami Dolphins

I know, if you take a look at my rankings below, you will notice that the Dolphins can't possibly go down and further without being completely eliminated from the NFL.

But in this spot, I like the Dolphins to actually break through and win their first game. For one, they are playing a one-win Denver Broncos team. Two, that team is undergoing a serious face lift right now, with a new quarterback and new receivers. Three, the game is in Miami.

Now, I don't think the Dolphins are going to make a huge climb, even with a win. Still, a spot in the mid-20's doesn't seem too far-fetched. For a winless team that has lost its starting quarterback, that's not too bad.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys may sit in the middle of the pack, but there is nothing about that franchise that suggests middle of the pack.

Everything that happens to the Cowboys is amplified. When they win, it's big, when they lose it's big. That's certainly the sign of a franchise that can get your attention.

In Week 7, they host the Rams in a game that will likely be a laugher. If it's not, this team is in serious trouble. But I expect an easy win this week. The Cowboys may well be in the upper-half of the rankings at this time next week.

Washington Redskins

Was Sunday's game a real sign that the Redskins are a fluke, or was it just a bump in the road? My best guess is that it's somewhere in between.

Rex Grossman will always be inconsistent at quarterback. Nothing that has happened this year would really indicate anything else.

The defense is stellar, which is why the Redskins will rise against the Panthers. While I do expect a solid outing from Cam Newton, it won't be enough.

The Redskins defense will do enough to create opportunities for the offense. As long as they aren't as bad against Carolina as they were against Philadelphia, the Redskins will do enough to win.

Michael Dixon's Week 7 NFL Power Rankings

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