NFL Power Rankings 2012: Steelers rising with Roethlisberger still out

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again climbing power rankings after their first good offensive performance since Ben Roethlisberger's injury - and they'll only go higher with Roethlisberger possibly returning.

Not many had hope for the Steelers heading into Baltimore to take on the Ravens with Charlie Batch a week after the 37-year-old quarterback tossed three picks against the Cleveland Browns. Batch wasn't spectacular, but nobody will complain about his 25-for-36 performance in the 23-20 win, including his performance in the fourth quarter, leading the Steelers on a pair of scoring drives to come back from seven down for the win. Joel Thorman of SB Nation had the Steelers at No. 10 in his Week 14 NFL power rankings, pointing out the strong performance by the rest of the squad to keep the team in the game with their third option in the game at QB:

It sure would be something to be a Steelers fan. Playing your third string quarterback against one of the NFL's best teams and knowing you still have a chance. Incredible performance from the Steelers, and much-needed.

Most rankers put Pittsburgh around there, out of the top 10 but in the top half of the league: FOX had the Steelers at No. 11, while ESPN and CBS put the Steelers at 13.