NFL Power Rankings: Overachievers That Can Maintain Lofty Ranking

The 49ers' control of the ground game means this team will stay at the top of the power rankings. They are one of a handful of big surprises to maintain their lofty position in the power rankings.

No. 2 San Francisco 49ers   

The 49ers are 7-1, and they are riding a seven game winning streak. They are doing this by controlling the ground game. They are first in yards rushing allowed per game, and sixth in rushing yards gained per game.

This is a recipe for long-term success in the NFL—especially later in the season as bodies get banged up and the weather starts to get nasty.

The 49ers also have a favorable schedule. Only three of their final eight games are against teams with a winning record, and two of those three games they play at home.

This team could lock up the NFC West by Week 11, and have a first-round bye not long after that.

No. 7 Detroit Lions

The Lions have the defense and the offensive fire power to hang with the NFL's elite.

They took a big hit with two straight losses in games against the 49ers and Falcons, but they bounced back in a big way with a dominant victory against the Broncos.

Since that game, they have had a bye week to get healthy and will now be ready to have a big second half of the season.

Their remaining schedule is anything but easy. However, their pass rush will give teams like Green Bay and New Orleans fits.

Thanks in large part to that pass rush, the Lions are sixth in the NFL in passing yards allowed. This team has enough talent to hang around this No. 7 mark and has potential to do damage in the playoffs.

No. 10 Cincinnati Bengals

Of all of this year's surprises the Bengals may be the biggest. They have won five straight games and now own the best record in the AFC at 6-2.

The Bengals schedule is about to get much tougher. Three of their next four games are against the Steelers and Ravens.

It would be reckless to expect them to maintain their same pace, but they won't have to in order to stay at No. 10 in the power rankings.

The Bengals also have the defense to compete in those games. They are second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and 10^th in passing yards allowed.

They also have a young offense that is getting stronger each week.

This team will be better at the end of the season than they are now, and they won't be an easy out for anyone in the playoffs.