NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Trending Up?

Things can change in the blink of an eye in the NFL—just ask the Oakland Raiders. 

Getting off to a hot start is ideal, but isn't necessary in making a push to the postseason.

Week 7 showed us a few teams that are certainly trending skyward.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After a rough start to the year that had Steeler Nation concerned, Pittsburgh has rattled off three straight victories.

They Steelers have battled injuries at key positions and haven't skipped a beat. Mike Wallace is good for at least one huge play a week and the defense has returned to form.

Although Rashard Mendenhall wasn't effective against the Cardinals this week, Ben Roethlisberger threw for 361 yards as the Steelers have demonstrated their ability as a pass-happy unit.

New England comes to town next week in a gigantic AFC showdown.

New York Jets

"Overrated" was a term given to the Jets after following their three-game losing streak. Rex Ryan's guarantees seemed foolish, the running game was stagnant and Mark Sanchez was playing like a rookie. They controlled the Dolphins last week and were resilient against an above-average San Diego Chargers team in the second half of their win on Sunday.

They looked like the Super Bowl contender many thought they were entering the season in the final two quarters yesterday, playing that Rex Ryan, ground-and-pound style of football. 

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have now won consecutive games for the first time this season. The Lions may not be as legitimate of a team as we thought after their 5-0 start, mainly because their inability to run or stop the run, but winning in Detroit is very respectable.

Atlanta stifled Matt Stafford for the majority of the contest and established Michael Turner throughout.

Their talent is finally showing through as the Falcons are playing like the did in the 2010 regular season.

Week 8 Power Rankings

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