NFL power rankings, Week 7: Chiefs rise, Packers fall

47. New England’s offensive front had its early issues with the Cincinnati pass rush as quarterback Tom Brady was sacked three times – twice in the first half. But when it was all said and done the 17-year pro threw for 376 yards and connected on 29-of-35 passes. Brady connected for three more scores and for the second straight week, none were to wide receivers. Still, the Patriots trailed 14-10 in the third quarter until linebacker Dont’a Hightower sacked Andy Dalton for a safety. That swung the momentum as Bill Belichick’s team scored the final 25 points on the contest. <p>Next Week: The Patriots head to Pittsburgh for the first time since 2011 in what shapes up as a crucial conference showdown. Along with a pair of AFC title game wins (2001 and ’04), the Patriots are 9-3 in their last 12 meetings with the Black and Gold dating back to 1998 – including a 5-2 mark at Pittsburgh.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Yes the Pats appear to be rolling once again and the return of Brady has certainly kick-started the offense. But the Buffalo Bills have now won four straight games and are nipping on the heels of the defending AFC East champions. We will learn a lot about the AFC East and the conference the next two weeks as this team travels to Pittsburgh and then Buffalo.</p>. 5-1. Previous: . New England Patriots. 2. team