NFL Power Rankings: 3 Rising Teams That Will Stay Strong

The good thing about being overlooked early in the season is that you are everybody's favorite Cinderella story when you explode onto the scene.

So is the story for three teams in particular this NFL season who have quieted early-season doubts and are looking like legitimate playoff teams headed into Week 11.

Here are three rising teams that will stay strong for the remainder of the season.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)

A case could be made that the Bengals the biggest surprise of 2011.

Considered by many to be the worst team in the league headed into the season, the Bengals have been solid this season.

Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and rookie receiver A.J. Green appear to be the real deal and the defense has been one of the best in the league, allowing just 18.2 points per game.

The Bengals may have lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10, but they only lost to a team that still has Super Bowl aspirations.

2. Chicago Bears (6-3)

After giving up a wealth of sacks early in the season, the Bears' offensive line deserves a lot of credit, improving each and every week.

Along with the O-line, the defense has been much better, evidenced by a 37-13 victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 10.

The Bears intercepted Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford four times in that game, returning two picks for touchdowns.

The Bears are back to playing the way they were when they went to the NFC Championship Game last season.

1. San Francisco 49ers (8-1)

The 49ers may be leaders of a weak NFC West, but this is certainly not a weak team.

In fact, a lot of people have the 49ers second in the league in their power rankings, right behind the defending champion Green Bay Packers.

The 49ers were winning off of a strong running game and a dominant defense headed into Week 10, then quarterback Alex Smith showed he could lead them to victory with some big throws against the New York Giants.

All of a sudden, the 49ers look like a complete team.

Not bad for a team many didn't even have winning the NFC West this season.