NFL Power Rankings Week 7: Philadelphia Eagles and 3 Teams on the Climb

Knowing that you're back on the upswing is a solid way to seriously gain back some ground, provided that the ground was lost.

Also, if you started off slow but are in the midst of an upswing, then the continuation of climbing only feels that much better.

For the following three teams, they're all rising despite two of them on a bye in Week 7. So when the Week 8 power rankings come out, don't be surprised to see these teams move ahead a little more.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

We'll start with the only team on this list without a bye, Tampa Bay, who plays the Chicago Bears in London this week.

And despite running back LeGarette Blount sitting out again, the Bucs gained some serious amount of confidence after defeating New Orleans last week, after getting demolished by the 49ers in Week 5.

The Bucs still have some proving to do, because the Saints aren't generally known as road warriors. A win against the Bears this week only helps, and they will prevail.

Much thanks to the defense no less, as they pressurize Jay Cutler all day and force turnovers.

Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

Sure they're on a bye, but it came at the right time for the Bengals in terms of moving up in the power rankings. For one, they could very well surpass the Bears and Jets as both are likely to lose this week.

Additionally, they may move past the Texans if Houston loses to the Titans in Tennessee. Now, this Bengals teams hasn't really been tested yet, but a six-game stretch that begins in November will be the tell-all sign.

There, four divisional games are sandwiched between the Titans and Texans (who should have Andre Johnson back by then). Nonetheless, Cincy capitalizes on the bye week and has a little more momentum heading into The Great Northwest against Seattle in Week 8.

Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)

The second team taking advantage of the bye week from a power rankings perspective are the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Week 6 win over Washington may have just saved their season... for the time being, because left on the schedule are the Cowboys (twice), Patriots, Giants and Redskins. The Eagles could win all of those games, but they will lose if their consistency folds.

And perhaps the bye came right on time because after a desperate win, they have time to let it sink in. They're not pressured to respond immediately with another win, and have some time to take a mental and physical break.

But the Dallas Cowboys are awaiting when they return. The City of Brotherly Love will play host to the rivalry the day before Halloween. That game will be the deal-breaker for the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles.

Week 7 NFL Power Rankings (LW = Last Week's Rank)

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

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

And, you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.