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NFL power rankings Week 14: Do surging Patriots take top spot after Rams loss?

2025-12-02 10:55
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The Rams lost Sunday, but will they also vacate power poll's No. 1 ranking?

NFL power rankings Week 14: Do surging Patriots take top spot after Rams loss?Story byNFL power rankings Week 14: Do surging Patriots take top spot after Rams loss?Nate Davis, USA TODAYTue, December 2, 2025 at 10:55 AM UTC·6 min read

NFL power rankings entering Week 14 of the 2025 season (previous rank in parentheses):

1. Los Angeles Rams (1): Yeah, they lost … on the East Coast … in a rain storm … QB Matthew Stafford uncharacteristically throwing as many interceptions (2) in the first quarter as he had all season entering Sunday. Maybe the only concerning red flag here was how what the defense was gashed on the ground. Otherwise, we're giving LA a mulligan on this one.

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2. New England Patriots (3): It's tempting to declare the team with the NFL's best record (11-2) as the league's best. But as much as QB Drake Maye and Co. have shown, we need to see just a little more − and against better competition.

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

1 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

2 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4

Best images of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.

3. Seattle Seahawks (2): "We're super happy to have the best defense in the world," WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (23 receiving yards) said on his quietest day of the 2025 season. But how far can it carry the 'Hawks if the offense continues to disappear?

4. Green Bay Packers (5): Beat the archrival Bears on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the NFC North in a three-week period, and the Pack might just find itself atop the conference standings.

5. Denver Broncos (4): In some respects, they resemble a Rocky Mountain version of the Seahawks, sporting an often dominant D and a quarterback who can be great … and also a total wild card.

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6. Houston Texans (11): The Seahawks allegedly have the best defense in the world, but the numbers support the Texans − who are allowing the fewest points and yards per game in the league. Now, is it good enough to snap a five-game losing streak to the Chiefs?

7. Buffalo Bills (12): The league's No. 1 rushing attack is fresh off producing a season-high 249 yards − which are also the most gained at Pittsburgh in half a century.

8. Chicago Bears (15): They've swept the NFC East. They've swept Pennsylvania. If the team currently sitting atop the NFC can win at Lambeau Field on Sunday, then any notions of fraudulence should be fully put to bed.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (13): They're 4-1 since their return from London and can take outright possession of the AFC South's top spot by beating the Colts on Sunday.

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10. San Francisco 49ers (14): They'll only leave Silicon Valley once more in the regular season and, at 9-4, the Niners are very much in the mix to snag home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (6): WR A.J. Brown is averaging 7.3 catches and 91.3 receiving yards (with three TDs) in Philly's four losses. In his seven other games, all wins, he's averaging 47.7 yards and 3.9 receptions (with three TDs). So, tell us again how important it is that you get the ball, A.J.?

12. Detroit Lions (9): Even if they can once again avert their first two-game regular-season losing streak since 2022, there's no scenario that gets them back into the projected NFC playoff field this week − circumstances that illustrate how much this team is struggling with its coaching staff turnover.

13. Indianapolis Colts (8): They've won once since acquiring CB Sauce Gardner, who's out for an indefinite period with a calf injury.

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14. Dallas Cowboys (19): Though he's overshadowed by the general chaos that follows this team, what a turnaround RB Javonte Williams has had − now just 45 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard year in the NFL.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (7): The state of their tattered offensive line has to be a real concern with Houston's pass rush coming to Arrowhead.

16. Baltimore Ravens (10): They're averaging 20 points and nearly three turnovers per game over the past three weeks, though QB Lamar Jackson did look a bit more spry in the Thanksgiving loss to Cincinnati.

Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.

Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.

Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.

Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.

Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.

Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.

Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."

Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.

Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.

Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.

Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.

Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.1 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.1 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.2 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.3 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.4 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.5 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.

6 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.7 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.

8 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.9 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.10 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.11 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.12 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.

13 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."

14 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.

15 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.16 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.

17 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.

18 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.19 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.20 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.21 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.22 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.23 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.

24 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.25 / 25

Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season

Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.

17. Carolina Panthers (20): Getting RB Chuba Hubbard reintegrated into the offense seems like a wise move. Sure paid off in Sunday's upset of the Rams, when he had a season-high 19 touches and 124 yards.

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18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16): They seem to be getting generally healthier at the most crucial juncture of the schedule − four of their final five games against NFC South opponents.

19. Los Angeles Chargers (17): Better to go into a Monday night game against a salty Philly D with a quarterback fresh off surgery for a broken (non-throwing) hand? Or Trey Lance?

20. Cincinnati Bengals (23): As obviously important as it is to have QB Joe Burrow back in the lineup, this team's story might be equally influenced by a defense that the locker room almost universally cited for beating Baltimore. Cincy has certainly been much better on that side of the ball in recent weeks.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (18): You actually don't want to fire Mike Tomlin, yinzers. You want to trade him for a first-round draft pick.

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22. Arizona Cardinals (21): When was the last time a tight end, Trey McBride in this case, had more yards from scrimmage and touchdowns than a team's top two running backs … combined?

23. Cleveland Browns (24): DE Myles Garrett v. Cam Ward, the league's most-sacked quarterback? Hall of Fame officials should make the short trip to Cleveland on Sunday given the likelihood the single-season sack record could fall … in only 13 games.

24. Miami Dolphins (25): RB De'Von Achane is just the fifth running back this century to have at least 10 touchdowns in each of his first three NFL seasons.

25. Washington Commanders (27): Their valiant play in Sunday night's loss to Denver is a pretty good testament to coach Dan Quinn and a team that could easily have packed it in by now.

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26. New York Jets (30): The quiet acquisition of WR Adonai Mitchell in the Gardner deal, which also netted two first-rounders, could really render this trade one-sided at some point. Trust the process.

27. Atlanta Falcons (26): Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the only RB tandem in the league this season in which both players have at least seven TDs … for all the good it's doing.

28. Minnesota Vikings (22): Not sure what was worse Sunday − the body language on the sideline while the team was getting shut out in Seattle, or the fact that rookie QB Max Bromser was drawing Nathan Peterman comparisons.

29. New Orleans Saints (29): Cam Jordan and Terrell Suggs are now the only players this century with at least 125 sacks and 745 tackles in their career. Shame Jordan hasn't gotten the on-field recognition he deserves.

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30. New York Giants (28): To summarize for any prospective head coaches − the rookie quarterback is determined to play recklessly, and the rookie pass rushers seems determined … not to play at all.

31. Las Vegas Raiders (31): Seriously, how much more can Maxx Crosby endure here?

32. Tennessee Titans (32): A showdown between Ward and Shedeur Sanders would have sounded a lot more compelling eight months ago.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL power rankings Week 14: Patriots, Rams or Seahawks at No. 1?

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