NFL Power Rankings: Panthers are new No. 1 entering Week 13

Welp, it finally happened, the New England Patriots lost a game. Admitedly it took the Denver Broncos overtime to beat the Patriots, who were without star wide receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, as well as running back Dion Lewis.

The Patriots also faced a Brock Osweiler led Broncos team with Peyton Manning on the sideline, though some could debate that substitution makes Denver more formidable.

Then to top off the list of injuries the Patriots are trying to overcome, tight end Rob Gronkowski exited the game with an injury that looked like it could potentially be serious.

Injuries haven’t slowed down the Patriots yet, but New England fans need to be concerned about whether they can continue to win while missing so many key pieces. Where is a bye week when you need it?

The loss isn’t enough to drop the Patriots considerably in the power rankings, but it is enough to cost them the top spot to the still undefeated New England Patriots. The rest of the NFL looks mediocre and the Cincinnati Bengals look vulnerable so let’s not strip the No. 1 team in the AFC title away from the Patriots just yet. They should get back to their winning ways in Week 13 when they play the Philadelphia Eagles.

Next: 1. Carolina Panthers