NFL Power Rankings: Surprise Playoff Contenders Ready to Rise
Published by Nicholas Goss on November 16, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
With the NFL playoff race wide open, especially in the AFC, they are several teams who are ready to rise up the standings and make a playoff push during the stretch run.
The Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears are proving that they will not fold easily, and are making a strong push to earn a playoff berth.
Getting into the playoffs is very difficult, and with the weather getting worse, teams who can play defense and run the ball will excel.
Let’s look at three teams who will emerge as real playoff contenders.
1. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears haven’t been getting enough respect this season, but they are winning games right now the way you do in the playoffs, and that’s with defense and running the football.
Matt Forte has become a superstar running back and is making a strong case for NFL MVP. The offensive line is also protecting quarterback Jay Cutler much better than they were earlier in the season.
The Bears have beaten quality teams such as the Detroit Lions in November, and have proven that they are a dangerous team that no one wants to play right now.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have won three of their last four games and have improved to 5-4, just one game behind the 6-3 New York Giants atop the NFC East division.
The Cowboys have gotten a breakout season from running back DeMarco Murray, and he has rushed for 100-plus yards in three of the last four games.
Murray is creating a balanced offensive attack for the Cowboys, who are starting to play great football at the perfect time.
Dallas’ next three games are against Washington, Miami and Arizona, which are all games the Cowboys should easily win.
3. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans will benefit in their quest to reach the Houston Texans who are leading the AFC South with the recent injury to Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, who is done for the season.
After a terrible start to the season, Titans running back Chris Johnson is finally playing like the elite running back he has been during his career.
If the Titans can win five of their remaining games to reach 10 victories, then they have a great shot to win the division and make the playoffs.
The Titans can run the football well, and play good defense, which are two ingredients to winning football in late November and December.
Nicholas Goss’ Week 11 Power Rankings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Green Bay Packers | 9-0 |
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers | 8-1 |
| 3 | New Orleans Saints | 7-3 |
| 4 | New England Patriots | 6-3 |
| 5 | Houston Texans | 7-3 |
| 6 | New York Giants | 6-3 |
| 7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7-3 |
| 8 | Chicago Bears | 6-3 |
| 9 | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-3 |
| 10 | Baltimore Ravens | 6-3 |
| 11 | Detroit Lions | 6-3 |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | 5-4 |
| 13 | Oakland Raiders | 5-4 |
| 14 | New York Jets | 5-4 |
| 15 | Atlanta Falcons | 5-4 |
| 16 | Buffalo Bills | 5-4 |
| 17 | Tennessee Titans | 5-4 |
| 18 | San Diego Chargers | 4-5 |
| 19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4-5 |
| 20 | Denver Broncos | 4-5 |
| 21 | Kansas City Chiefs | 4-5 |
| 22 | Seattle Seahawks | 3-6 |
| 23 | Washington Redskins | 3-6 |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 3-6 |
| 25 | Arizona Cardinals | 3-6 |
| 26 | Philadelphia Eagles | 3-6 |
| 27 | Minnesota Vikings | 2-7 |
| 28 | Carolina Panthers | 2-7 |
| 29 | Miami Dolphins | 2-7 |
| 30 | St. Louis Rams | 2-7 |
| 31 | Cleveland Browns | 3-6 |
| 32 | Indianapolis Colts | 0-10 |
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