2012 NFL Power Rankings: Steelers crack the top 5

The latest SB Nation NFL Power Rankings have been released, and the Pittsburgh Steelers cracked the top five after their impressive 24-20 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. The Steelers (5-3) are ranked fifth by SB Nation NFL Editor Joel Thorman, who last week had Pittsburgh No. 10 overall.

The Steelers, who earned their third-consecutive win, were slotted behind top-ranked Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans (No. 2), Chicago Bears (No. 3) and San Francisco 49ers (No. 4).

Here's what Thorman had to say about Pittsburgh:

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 10, 5-3): I remember getting some flack for keeping the Steelers ranked high despite their 2-3 start to the season. Three wins later, including one over the defending champs, and it's an easier argument to put them in the top 10.

(Thorman's complete rankings can be read here.)

Compared to other power rankings, SB Nation's were similar to FOX Sports' Brian Billick, who ranked the Steelers sixth -- a four-spot jump from last week.

Meanwhile, the rest of the power rankings were not as kind. ESPN.com and CBS.com each ranked Pittsburgh 10th overall. Compared to last week, the spot was the same for ESPN and just a one spot improvement for CBS.

Next Monday, the Steelers host the Kansas City Chiefs (8:30 p.m. on ESPN).