NFL Power Rankings: 3 Rising Teams Looking To Make a Statement

When you're a team teetering on the edge of a postseason berth, sometimes all it takes is one big win to go on a roll and distance yourself from the pack.

Three teams in particular had big wins in Week 12 that has them set up better for the playoffs, getting some much-needed performances from struggling players along the way.

Here are three rising teams looking to make a statement.

3. Tennessee Titans (6-5)

The Titans are currently on the outside looking in on the AFC playoff picture, but after an up-and-down season, their 23-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12 was much needed.

Perhaps what was so encouraging about that win was that star running back Chris Johnson finally exploded for the first time all season after weeks of disappointment.

Johnson ended up racking up 190 rushing yards on 23 carries in Week 12, and with the passing game ailing ever since star receiver Kenny Britt's injury, that could be just what the Titans need to insert themselves into the playoff picture.

2. Denver Broncos (6-5)

There may be issues with quarterback Tim Tebow's accuracy, but the fact of the matter is that this defense, combined with Tebow's propensity to step up later in games, gives the Broncos a chance of winning the AFC West this season.

The Broncos aren't exactly dominating anyone, defeating the San Diego Chargers, 16-13, in Week 12, but they are winning and that's what matters.

The Broncos could legitimately win at least three of their next five games and what a story it would be if Tebow led them to the playoffs after they started out 1-4.

1. Oakland Raiders (7-4)

The Raiders are one game up on the Broncos in the AFC West and they're coming off an impressive 25-20 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Quarterback Carson Palmer is interception-prone, but he does make more big plays than Jason Campbell ever did.

On top of that, this rushing game is hard to stop, no matter who is starting in the backfield, and it sets the Raiders up to control the clock against a lot of opponents.

The Raiders may need three more victories to win the AFC West, and those victories could come against the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.