AFC Power Rankings Week 15: Patriots back on top, Bengals slide

AFC East. 11-2. New England Patriots. 1. player. 47. <p>Asserting themselves last night after an uncharacteristic two-game losing streak were the Patriots, who take the top slot in these AFC power rankings as a combined result of their Week 14 victory and the Broncos’ loss.</p> <p>A few things jump out at you when looking at the box score from last night’s win. For one, it’s clear to see why Brady struggled without both Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola against the Eagles, as those two produced 59 percent of the Patriots’ total passing yards last night. Additionally, the defense played absolutely lights-out, pitching a touchdown shut out and roughing up Brian Hoyer throughout the night.</p> <p>Hopefully, the injuries to Devin McCourty, LeGarrette Blount and Jonathan Freeny aren’t very serious. The Pats won last night, but it could have been at a real cost if any of those guys are out for substantial time (especially McCourty).</p>