NFL Power Rankings: Houston Texans and 3 Biggest Risers

The Houston Texans, after two straight losses, were starting to turn into a disappointment.

But after defeating the Tennessee Titans, they are back in the NFL's good graces and looking ahead in their quest for the AFC South title.

The Texans were one of three teams in particular that rose up the power rankings in Week 7. Here they are.

New York Jets (4-3)

The Jets, after starting 2-0, lost three straight games and then won ugly against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6.

So they were bound to fall to the San Diego Chargers in Week 7, right?

The Jets' pass defense limited Chargers star quarterback Philip Rivers to 16-of-32 passing for 179 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Week 7 and receiver Plaxico Burress came up big, catching three touchdown passes.

Now the Jets have a bye to work on some things before facing the Buffalo Bills in Week 9.

Chicago Bears (4-3)

I will be the first to say I've been riding the Bears all season long, particularly because of their offensive line and curious drop in defense.

But while the Bears' win against the Minnesota Vikings wasn't anything to be thrilled about, their win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened eyes.

Quarterback Jay Cutler predictably struggled and there are still protection issues with this team, but the Bears' pass defense stepped up big, forcing Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman into four interceptions.

Maybe the Bears' defense is coming around, after all.

Houston Texans (4-3)

The Texans were basically left for dead by the majority of NFL Nation after losing two straight games and three of their last four, most likely because they have yet to capture the AFC South.

But they returned with a vengeance in Week 7, blowing out the Tennessee Titans, 41-7.

Make no mistake about it, the Titans weren't pushovers. They started 3-2, despite the dropoff from running back Chris Johnson, and a lot of it had to do with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and the defense.

Well, the Texans offense treated the Titans like they were scrubs in Week 7, with running back Arian Foster and quarterback Matt Schaub exploding. Foster had 115 yards rushing and two touchdowns and 119 yards receiving and a touchdown in the game.

The Texans offense is back, with or without star receiver Andre Johnson, and the Texans are once against on top of the AFC South. They have the pleasure of facing the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns the next two weeks.