AFC Power Rankings Week 17: Steelers fall, Pats stay at No. 1

47. <p>Questionable play-calling on offense, shaky offensive line play and just 49 rushing yards from running backs prevented the Patriots from corralling that elusive No. 1 seed. However, by virtue of the loss coming in overtime form, the Patriots aren’t punished too harshly in these AFC power rankings.</p> <p>This writer isn’t up in arms that Bill Belichick elected to kick the ball, by the way. The Patriots were a ticky-tacky defensive pass interference call on Malcom Butler away from forcing a three and out and getting the ball in good field position, where all they would need as a field goal. It would have been a better decision with Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung on the field, though. Tavon Wilson took a terrible angle on Quincy Enunwa long catch-and-run.</p> <p>Now, the Pats must put this loss in the rear-view mirror and focus on the Miami Dolphins, another AFC East team that would like nothing better than to spoil the Patriots’ home-field advantage plans.</p>. AFC East. 12-3. New England Patriots. 1. player