NFL Power Rankings: Teams That Will Continue to Rise

The Detroit Lions proved that coming together at the end of the regular season can be a sign that a team is poised for big things.

Last season, the Lions went 6-10, but won their last four games. This season, the Lions have become a playoff contender.

Here are three teams that are looking better as the season progresses.

3. Miami Dolphins (4-8)

The Miami Dolphins still aren't a very good team, but their 4-8 record is a bit misleading.

They've lost four games by a field goal or less, including against the playoff-contending New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

The defense is actually pretty good, giving up 18.3 points per game this season. The question is whether the Dolphins can work offensively.

Quarterback Matt Moore has awoken all of a sudden in the last four games, completing 67 percent of his passes for seven touchdowns and one interception. If he can get going, the Dolphins stand a chance to surprise people next season.

They've won four of their last five games, including blowout victories over the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders.

2. Carolina Panthers (4-8)

The Panthers have found their franchise quarterback with No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton.

They've also won their last two games and suffered narrow losses to the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.

They have locked up the most important position in football; now they need to do something about that run defense.

1. Denver Broncos (7-5)

I can't tell you yet whether Tim Tebow will be the Broncos' franchise quarterback, but the fact of the matter is he's gone 6-1 as starter this season and helped the Broncos to five straight wins.

Because of this, the once-bumbling Broncos have taken control of the AFC West, further aided by a burgeoning pass rush.

I don't know what kind of magic beans Tebow found, but I suggest he keep them in his pocket.

They are working wonders for the rising Broncos right now.