NFL Power Rankings Week 8: Houston Texans and More Teams on the Rise

There may still be plenty of time left in the season, but this is the time when many middling teams begin to make their presence known. There is quite a logjam behind the league's elite teams at the moment, so somebody needs to step up.

While several teams are likely nothing more than an aberration, there are others that are just waiting to make their move. Here are three teams that are on the ascent in terms of the NFL's pecking order.

Dallas Cowboys

Despite their 3-3 record, the Dallas Cowboys have all the makings of a top-notch NFL team. All three of their losses were excruciatingly close, and their wins have been impressive. With the NFC East up for grabs, the Cowboys need to establish themselves as a contender.

They will have an excellent chance to do just that on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. Both the Cowboys and Eagles have been disappointments this season, but the winner will go a long way in becoming players in the NFC East. With the added dimension of DeMarco Murray in the running game, Dallas has the edge.

Carolina Panthers

At 2-5 the Carolina Panthers probably don't have much of a chance at making the playoffs, but they could certainly get into the mix with a couple victories. The Panthers have been impressive in defeat and were able to pick up a win over the Washington Redskins in Week 7.

Rookie quarterback Cam Newton continues to dazzle and is likely the sole reason why Carolina has been so competitive. The Panthers will host the 1-6 Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, and while the Vikings were able to keep things close against the Green Bay Packers last week, their pass defense will likely be further exploited by Newton.

Houston Texans

After consecutive losses with stud wide receiver Andre Johnson out of the lineup, things looked bleak for the Houston Texans. Houston went on the road for a pivotal matchup with the Tennessee Titans, who held a slight lead in the AFC South. Despite everything seemingly going against them, the Texans took care of the Titans quite handily.

Houston will host the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 8, who are coming off a huge upset over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. I consider that win to be a one-off occurrence, though, and I think the Jags are in for a big letdown against a Texans team that is back on track.

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