2012 NFL Power Rankings: Dallas Cowboys middle of the pack

Right in the middle of the league, at No. 16, is where you'll find the Dallas Cowboys in the latest edition of the SB Nation NFL Power Rankings. The Cowboys are up two spots following their overtime win over the Cleveland Browns.

At 5-5, the Cowboys are right in the thick of the hunt for the playoffs and suddenly find themselves only a game behind the New York Giants in the NFC East. Still, the rankings see New York as much superior, with the Giants coming in at No. 10 coming off their bye week.

SB Nation NFL Editor Joel Thorman thinks the NFC East race could get interesting down the stretch:

"It really would be something if the NFC East came down to the Cowboys and Giants again."

The Cowboys also come in at No. 16 in the rankings for CBS Sports and ESPN.com, while NBC Pro Football puts the Cowboys at No. 17. ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks an improved Dez Bryant could make a big difference if the Cowboys hope to make the playoffs:

"They needed an every-ounce comeback to beat the lowly Browns. Dez Bryant's emergence could be a difference-maker."