2015 NFL Power Rankings: Week 12 ESPN.com

Week: Select Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Are the Buccaneers a playoff team? Don't laugh.

After winning three of four, Tampa Bay (5-5) is suddenly in the NFC wild-card mix. And yes, ESPN's Power Panel has taken notice. Mired in the No. 31 spot just six weeks ago, Jameis Winston & Co. now sit at No. 12 -- an 11-spot jump from last week. It's the team's first top-20 ranking since Week 1 of last season.

The Bucs aren't the only former afterthought gaining traction. The Texans, No. 29 as recently as Week 8, have also cracked the top 20 (No. 17). Despite being 3-7, the Cowboys made the third-biggest move of the week. Victorious in Tony Romo's return from injury, Dallas rose six spots to No. 21.

At the top, the Patriots and Panthers are 1-2 for the second straight week, followed by the Broncos, Cardinals and Bengals.

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