NFL Power Rankings: San Francisco 49ers and Teams Bound to Rise

Another week, another crop of teams proving they are better than previously projected.

Week 6 of the NFL season provided plenty of theatrics, both on and off the field, complete with coach blowups and coaches' blown knees.

Through six weeks, the true contenders are beginning to separate themselves and the pretenders are doing their part to help them out.

Here are three teams bound to rise in the next power rankings after Week 6.

San Francisco 49ers (5-1)

Longtime 49ers fans are the first to admit that a good start doesn't necessarily mean all that much, especially after the dreadful season in 2010.

But when the 49ers defeated the previously-undefeated Detroit Lions in Week 6, 25-19, there was no longer anymore room for doubting.

The 49ers, ranked No. 9 by ESPN coming into their matchup with the Lions on Sunday, showed their Week 5 blowout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was no fluke, using a legit defense and a revitalized offense to stun the Lions in Detroit.

Given the Lions were ranked No. 4 by ESPN before the game, expect Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers to soar up the rankings this week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Speaking of the Buccaneers, quarterback Josh Freeman and Co. have had their fair share of ups and downs so far, but they stormed back after an embarrassing loss to the 49ers to shock their division rivals in Week 6.

Despite the loss of running back LeGarrette Blount to injury, the Buccaneers defeated the Saints on Sunday, 26-20, behind inspired play by backup running back Earnest Graham, Freeman and second-year receiver Arrelious Benn.

They also forced four turnovers, collecting three interceptions at the expense of Drew Brees.

Yes, the Buccaneers fell hard in Week 5, but they showed they are contenders by the way they bounced back in Week 6.

Oakland Raiders (4-2)

The Raiders didn't exactly have the most difficult matchup in Week 6, defeating the Cleveland Browns, 24-17, but they did what they had to do, and their win, combined with the Washington Redskins' loss, is bound to jump them up the rankings.

Now they have to figure out what to do with quarterback Jason Campbell out for an extended period of time with a broken collarbone.

I'm guessing they're going to be handing the ball off to star running back Darren McFadden early and often from here on out.