NFL Power Rankings: Identifying the League's Quietest Contenders

When we think of the NFL contenders at this juncture of the season, we think New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. 

Tremendous teams that have quarterbacks who are piecing together historical seasons. 

But there's a small faction of clubs quietly building their own cases as legitimate contenders that are capable of making a deep run in the postseason. 

Atlanta Falcons

Because of their relatively slow start and apparent regression from last year's incredible 13-3 campaign, it was easy for many to write off the Falcons in 2011. 

But they've won seven of their last nine and have been one of the most consistently offensive clubs in the league during that stretch. 

Matt Ryan has 26 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions and rookie wide receiver Julio Jones has started to blossom into a bona fide threat alongside Roddy White. 

The former Alabama star has three touchdowns in his last two games. 

The defense has gone through its ups and downs, but has pass-rushing talent and is respectable against the run. 

We saw how closely they played the Saints earlier in the year and they get their New Orleans nemesis again this week. 

A team with immense talent that no one wants to play in the postseason. 

Detroit Lions

I know the Detroit Lions have been somewhat inconsistent this season, but after watching their offensive explosion in the fourth quarter on the road, they've definitely become a quiet contender. 

Seriously, who can cover Calvin Johnson? 

Who wants to deal with Ndamukong Suh and that defensive line? 

Matt Stafford is clearly the key to it all, and when he's on his game, the Lions are extremely difficult to beat.

He's got 33 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a 93.8 QB rating in 2011.

Talk about someone having an underrated season.  

They have enough premier talent to stick with any of the top offenses in football. 

Maybe not the most reliable team, but certainly a dangerous one. 

Houston Texans

Although the Texans made some noise by winning their first division title in franchise history, they're still certainly an afterthought in the AFC playoff picture. 

With T.J. Yates, a rookie who's a former third-stringer, I understand why they'll be overlooked by many. 

However, don't forget that they have one of the best defenses in the NFL. 

That goes a long way in any postseason. 

The Texans have the second-best passing defense and rank fifth against the run. 

Arian Foster, a big back with deceptive elusiveness and speed will be relied upon heavily in January, and Ben Tate is the perfect compliment. 

It won't be as pretty or fun to watch as, say, the Patriots' potent offensive attack, but keep your eye on Houston. 

Week 16 NFL Power Rankings

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