FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After back-to-back losses for the first time since 2002, the New England Patriots dropped three spots in this week's ESPN NFL Power Rankings, to No. 5.
The Patriots opened the season at No. 2 (Seattle was No. 1 the first week) before spending 11 straight weeks at No. 1. Following a Nov. 29 loss to Denver, the club slipped back to No. 2 before this week's drop.
The text accompanying New England's standing at No. 5 reads: "...The injuries on offense hurt, but the team has allowed 30 points in back-to-back games for just the second time since 2001.