NFL Power Rankings: Patriots ranked fifth by SB Nation

SB Nation's Week 12 NFL Power Rankings have been released, and the New England Patriots moved back into the top 5. According to SB Nation NFL Editor Joel Thorman, the Patriots (7-3) are the fifth-ranked team after earning an impressive 59-24 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

New England, which last week was ranked ninth, was slotted behind the top-ranked Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons (No. 2), San Francisco 49ers (No. 3) and Baltimore Ravens (No. 4). The Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants rounded out the top 10, respectively.

Here's what Thorman had to say about the Patriots, who earned their fourth straight victory.

5. New England Patriots (LW: 9, 7-3): The Patriots are averaging 42.5 points per game on their four-game winning streak. Think about that -- averaging 42.5 points. When was the last time your team scored 42 points? Sunday's 59-pointer didn't hurt.

The Patriots are still the highest-ranked AFC East team. The Miami Dolphins (No. 21) are the second-highest followed by the New York Jets (No. 22) and Buffalo Bills (No. 24).

On Thursday, New England plays at New York for a Thanksgiving Day prime time special.