NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Mid-Level Teams That Will Make Late Playoff Charges

As NFL teams enter the home stretch of the regular season, there is still enough time to make a late playoff charge. In order to make that happen, however, hopeful teams will need to find their stride quickly. Here are three squads that will do just that in Week 12.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta has yet to suffer a bad loss and have a favorable schedule remaining. Michael Turner appears to have regained his old form, rushing for nearly 900 yards and eight touchdowns so far. Meanwhile, the Falcons' run defense ranks second.

Matt Ryan needs to improve his touchdown-to-turnover ratio if the Falcons plan on winning key games in December and January, though. A healthy Julio Jones would help his cause, especially with Harry Douglas emerging as a solid third receiver.

Projected Final Record: 11-5

Denver Broncos

Say what you will about Tim Tebow, I personally don't think he'll survive as a starting quarterback. Even so, he's protected the ball well and Denver is winning games. With no team separating themselves from the pack in the AFC West, the Broncos are certainly a contender.

Von Miller has been better than advertised, racking up 10 sacks in as many games, and is leading a defense that is getting strong performances from little known players like Wesley Woodyard. Something special is happening in the Mile High City.

Projected Final Record: 9-7

Tennessee Titans

Just when it seemed like the Houston Texans would run away with the AFC South, Matt Schaub gets injured and opens the door back up for Tennessee. The Titans have a navigable remaining schedule, including a season finale clash with Houston.

Chris Johnson showed signs of life against Carolina before struggling against the Falcons. If the dynamic runner can find his previous form, it will go a long way in helping alleviate the pressure on Matt Hasselbeck, who was a nice addition by the Titans as Jake Locker develops.

Projected Final Record: 10-6

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