NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Which Teams Are on the Rise in the Playoff Hunt?

The NFL's Week 11 kicked off in a big way with Tim Tebow leading the Denver Broncos to victory over the New York Jets on Thursday night with the Philadelphia Eagles knocking off the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.

With Thanksgiving this Thursday, the NFL's season is winding down as we hit the final surge for the playoffs. 

With that being said, after Sunday's slate filled with action, which teams are on the rise in the playoff hunt entering Week 12? 

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are on fire right now with Tony Romo simply playing at an elite level.

Dallas escaped the nation's capital with a crucial 27-24 overtime victory against the Washington Redskins. In the victory, Romo played at his best as he completed 23 of his 37 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. 

With the New York Giants losing, the Cowboys are now tied for first place in the NFC East and are a very challenging team to beat with Romo playing at an elite level. 

Baltimore Ravens

After falling short against the lowly Seattle Seahawks a week ago, the Baltimore Ravens bounced back with a huge divisional victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, 31-24. 

Despite losing games against the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Seahawks, the Ravens have swept the Pittsburgh Steelers and are now 7-3 on the season.

Baltimore currently sits atop of the AFC North holding the tiebreaker against the Steelers.

Denver Broncos

Believe it or not, the Denver Broncos could make a run for the playoffs this season in the AFC West—and that would be the only way of making the playoffs.

With Tim Tebow at quarterback, the Broncos have proven to be so unpredictable, that it's rather amusing. 

Tebow is now 4-1 as a starter this season after his team's incredible victory against the New York Jets and now sit just a game behind the Oakland Raiders.

Philadelphia Eagles

Who would have thought that this would happen? The Philadelphia Eagles traveled to New York and somehow escaped with a victory against Eli Manning the Giants while without Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin.

The Eagles have finally shown signs of life in 2011, but it could be too late as they're 4-6 in the very competitive NFC. 

Tony Santorsa's Week 12 Power Rankings:

1. Green Bay Packers

2. San Francisco 49ers

3. New Orleans Saints

4. New England Patriots* 

5. Chicago Bears

6. Baltimore Ravens

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

8. Detroit Lions

9. Houston Texans

10. Atlanta Falcons

11. New York Giants

12. Cincinnati Bengals

13. Dallas Cowboys

14. Oakland Raiders

15. Denver Broncos

16. Philadelphia Eagles

17. New York Jets

18. Buffalo Bills

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. Tennessee Titans

21. San Diego Chargers

22. Seattle Seahawks

23. Cleveland Browns

24. Miami Dolphins

25. Washington Redskins

26. Carolina Panthers

27. Kansas City Chiefs*

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

29. Arizona Cardinals

30. Minnesota Vikings

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Indianapolis Colts 

*Monday night game