NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans and Biggest Winners from Week 7

The Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons all needed victories on Sunday to either take control of their division or to keep pace with their rivals.

All three delivered in convincing fashion, which is why they will be the biggest risers in NFL power rankings this week.

Houston Texans

Arian Foster and the Texans crushed division rival Tennessee by a score of 41-7 on Sunday to regain their AFC South lead.

Foster destroyed the Titans, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He also caught five passes for 119 yards and another touchdown.

Houston limited Tennessee to just 148 total yards and intercepted Matt Hasselbeck twice.

More importantly, they improved to 4-3 and are in a position to place a stranglehold on their division.

With Jacksonville and Indianapolis struggling, the Titans posed the only threat in the AFC South. With them disposed, Houston shouldn't have any trouble reaching the playoffs. 

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys ended their two-game skid by blowing out the St. Louis Rams by 34-7.

Rookie running back DeMarco Murray exploded for 253 yards on 25 carries, including a 91-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Dallas improved to 3-3, which means they are tied for second in the NFC East. They are now just one game behind the New York Giants, who they have yet to play.

This victory should also give some much needed confidence to a team that always operates under a microscope.

Beating a winless team isn't a huge accomplishment, but a blowout win is always good for morale. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons improved to 4-3 by beating the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

This win was essential for Atlanta, who need to keep pace with the 5-2 New Orleans Saints and the 4-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Their defense was excellent on Sunday, limiting the powerful Detroit offense to their lowest scoring total of the season.

The NFC South is one of the toughest divisions in football. This win gives Atlanta a huge boost going forward. 

Week 8 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)

2. New England Patriots (5-1)

3. New Orleans Saints (5-2)

4. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)

6. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)

7. Detroit Lions (5-2)

8. Buffalo Bills (4-2)

9. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

10. Houston Texans (4-3)

11. New York Giants (4-2)

12. Chicago Bears (4-3)

13. New York Jets (4-3)

14. San Diego Chargers (4-2)

15. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)

16. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)

18. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)

19. Washington Redskins (3-3)

20. Cleveland Browns (3-3)

21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)

22. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)

23. Carolina Panthers (2-5)

24. Oakland Raiders (4-3)

25. Denver Broncos (2-4)

26. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)

27. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)

30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)

31. St. Louis Rams (0-6)

32. Indianapolis Colts (0-6)