AP Power Rankings: Patriots take No. 1 spot
NEW YORK – With Tom Brady back at quarterback, the New England Patriots once again lead the NFL in wins.
And because of that, they also lead the latest AP Pro32 poll, which was released Tuesday.
The Patriots received all 12 first-place votes for 384 points from balloting by media members who regularly cover the NFL.
“Best record in the league, best point differential in the league and the best coach-quarterback tandem in the history of the league. Any questions?” said Ira Kaufman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Patriots (6-1) have won all three games since Brady’s return from his “Deflategate” suspension to start the season.
And on Sunday, the Patriots face the Buffalo Bills on the road in a rematch of their only loss of the season, a 16-0 shutout in Week 4.
The Dallas Cowboys moved up two spots to No. 2 despite having a bye last week.
And the Seattle Seahawks remained at No. 3 after their 6-6 tie against Arizona on Sunday night.
“They have not averaged under 100 yards rushing per game since Pete Carroll’s first season in Seattle in 2010,” said Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
The defending champion Denver Broncos also moved up two spots to No. 4 after their 27-9 win over former teammate Brock Osweiler and the Houston Texans.
“John Elway is right. Sometimes the best deals are the ones you don’t make. Case in point: Brock Osweiler turning down Denver’s offer to take the cash in Houston,” Newsday’s Bob Glauber said.
“The Broncos’ GM watches bargain-basement QB Trevor Siemian get the best of Osweiler in a resounding Monday night win.”
The Minnesota Vikings dropped four spots to No. 5 after suffering their first loss, which came against the Philadelphia Eagles, who jumped six spots to No. 6 after the 21-10 win.
The Eagles face the Cowboys on Sunday night in a key NFC East matchup.
“Dak Prescott vs. Carson Wentz for control of the NFC East, just like the schedule-makers drew it up,” said Jenny Vrentas of The Monday Morning Quarterback.
The Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West) and Green Bay Packers (NFC North) each moved up three spots, to No. 7 and No. 8, after wins last week.
The Oakland Raiders, tied for first place with Denver in the division, jumped four spots to No. 9 to give the AFC West three teams in the top 10.