NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions and Teams That Need a Win To Avoid Free Fall

There can be no doubting that the 2011 NFL season is reaching its turning point.

By Week 7 the contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pack, and the pretenders are starting to expose themselves in their weaknesses.

Division races are starting to heat up, and even though they will never admit it, teams are starting to think about how they look moving forward into the playoffs.

Evaluation happens four games at a time in the NFL, and that means we are nearing the halfway point.

Teams have risen and fallen up and down the power rankings all season, but now is the time where they really start locking in to their spots.

Here are a few teams that need a win this weekend to avoid a free fall down the power rankings:

Detroit Lions:

The Lions are in a very tough spot. They lost a very winnable game at home to the San Francisco 49ers, and now they have a desperate Atlanta Falcons team coming into town.

Rumors have been flying around that running back Jahvid Best will be out with a concussion, which will put a lot of pressure on Matthew Stafford and the passing game. Not only that, but the Lions struggle stopping the run, and they have to deal with Michael Turner and a very strong Falcons rushing attack.

After last week, the Lions desperately need this win at home, especially given the bad vibes surrounding the team this week.

Houston Texans:

Losing last week to the Ravens was a very tough game for the beat up Texans, but this week against the Tennessee Titans is vital. They are currently a game behind the Titans in the AFC South, and with Andre Johnson hopefully returning soon for the home-stretch, a win here would be huge to even things up at the top of the division.

New Orleans Saints:

The Saints lost to division rival Tampa Bay last week, and with the Falcons looking to get back on track New Orleans has no room to goof up. They are playing the Indianapolis Colts at home, which should be an easy blowout. They cannot afford to nor should they lose this game.

Andrew Kulha 2011 Power Rankings:

1. Packers

2. Patriots

3. Ravens

4. 49ers

5. Saints

6. Chargers

7. Steelers

8. Lions

9. Buccaneers

10. Bills

11. Raiders

12. Texans

13. Titans

14. Giants

15. Redskins

16. Jets

17. Falcons

18. Bengals

19. Bears

20. Seahawks

21. Browns

22. Eagles

23. Cowboys

24. Chiefs

25. Panthers

26. Browns

27. Cardinals

28. Vikings

29. Jaguars

30. Dolphins

31. Rams

32. Colts