NFL Power Rankings: Washington Redskins and 3 Sliding Teams That Will Rise Up

Slowly but surely, the NFL season is beginning to take shape. The contenders and pretenders are really starting to show their true colors.

Some teams have taken a fall in recent weeks, but are due to bounce back this Sunday.

I am not necessarily predicting that these teams will go on to win the Super Bowl, make the playoffs or even notch a winning record. These are simply teams that have all fallen in recent weeks.

While a move up the rankings may not be permanent, they are set for a recovery this Sunday. 

Washington Redskins

The Redskins have been really up and down this season. I am not sure if John Beck is the answer to their quarterbacking woes, but he'll do fine this week.

I like their running attack against the Carolina run defense. I also like Washington's defense to do enough against Cam Newton to force turnovers and win the game.

The NFC East is a tough division, and I am not sure what kind of chances the Redskins have in it for the rest of the season. However, at this time next week, expect them to be in a better position. 

Houston Texans

The Texans are going in the wrong direction and they're going at an alarmingly fast rate. This week, they get the Titans, who are also headed in the wrong direction.

Even though the game is in Tennessee, I like the Texans to win it. I know that Mario Williams is out for the year, but their defense is still solid. Offensively, the Texans are still strong enough to score on the Titans. 

Dallas Cowboys

I don't know exactly how to read the Cowboys. They win games that they should lose, and lose games that they should win. Ultimately, I guess they belong in the middle of the pack.

Even with the newly-acquired Brandon Lloyd, I just can't see the Rams doing much in this one. He'll help their offense a little, but they are still going to have a hard time stopping the Cowboys' offense.

The Cowboys are a mystery, but they will be better next week. 

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