JOHN McCLAIN’S NFL POWER RANKINGS

WEEK 14

1. New England 10-2 (2):

After allowing 32 points a game during a 2-2 start, the Patriots have surrendered 11.8 during their eight-game winning streak.

2. Minnesota 10-2 (4):

The Vikings have allowed fewer than 20 points in nine games, including 11.8 points a game in their eight-game winning streak.

3. Pittsburgh 10-2 (3):

The Steelers are 4-0 in games decided by three points or less after rallying from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit at Cincinnati.

4. Philadelphia 10-2 (1):

A tough two-game stretch. After losing at Seattle, the Eagles will try to get back on track with a road game against the Rams.

5. L.A. Rams 9-3 (5):

The Rams and Eagles, the two highest-scoring teams in the league, play Sunday in the L.A. Coliseum. Top seed in NFC could be at stake.

6. New Orleans 9-3 (7):

A difficult stretch for the Saints. After splitting with Rams (loss) and Panthers (win), they visit the Falcons on Thursday.

7. Seattle 8-4 (9):

Russell Wilson catapulted into the MVP race with the upset of Philadelphia. The Seahawks have another challenge at Jacksonville.

8. Carolina 8-4 (6):

The Panthers lost at New Orleans. Now they are at home game against red-hot Minnesota that will figure into the playoff picture.

9. Tennessee 8-4 (10):

After beating the Texans, the Titans have won six of seven and are 4-1 in the AFC South, tied with Jacksonville for first place.

10. L.A. Chargers 6-6 (11):

The Chargers have won six of eight games, and they’re in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC West. They host Washington.

11. Jacksonville 8-4 (12):

The Jaguars bounced back from the Arizona loss to throttle Indianapolis. They get a tougher test at home against Seattle.

12. Baltimore 7-5 (13):

The Ravens (three wins in a row) are peaking at the right time. Three of their last four are against AFC North opponents.

13. Atlanta 7-5 (8):

The Falcons are coming off a home loss to Minnesota. They play the Saints in two of their next three games.

14. Dallas 6-6 (19):

After sweeping Washington, the Cowboys play three of their last four on the road. Their only home game is against Seattle.

15. Oakland 6-6 (20):

The Raiders have won three of four for a three-way tie for first in the AFC West. Three of their last four are on the road.

16. Detroit 6-6 (14):

After a three-game winning streak, the Lions have lost two in a row. Their next three games are against sub-.500 teams.

17. Green Bay 6-6 (23):

After playing Cleveland, the Packers face a huge challenge with back-toback games against Carolina and Minnesota.

18. Buffalo 6-6 (15):

With Tyrod Taylor injured, Nathan Peterman could be the starter. The Bills have lost three of four. They play Miami twice.

19. N.Y. Jets 5-7 (24):

After beating Kansas City, the Jets play three of their last four on the road. Their last three are against the Saints, Chargers and Patriots.

20. Kansas City 6-6 (17):

The Chiefs have a fourgame losing streak and have lost six of seven. Their last two are against the Raiders and Chargers.

21. Cincinnati 5-7 (18):

The Bengals have failed to defeat a team that currently has a winning record. They should be able to beat Chicago on Sunday.

22. Washington 5-7 (16):

Washington got swept by the Cowboys. After playing the Chargers, its last three opponents have a combined record of 10-26.

23. Miami 5-7 (26):

The Dolphins are coming off a victory over Denver. They have to play the Patriots for the second time in three weeks on Monday night.

24. Houston 4-8 (22):

In losing four of their last five, the Texans are struggling to score more than one offensive touchdown a game.

25. Arizona 5-7 (21):

Two weeks ago, the Cardinals upset Jacksonville. Now they host Tennessee, tied with the Jaguars for first in the AFC South.

26. Tampa Bay 4-8 (25):

After finishing 9-7 last season and appearing on “Hard Knocks,” the Bucs have been a disaster, losing seven of their last nine.

27. Indianapolis 3-9 (27):

Chuck Pagano has his first losing record as the Colts’ coach. He’s almost guaranteed of being fired after regular season ends.

28. San Francisco 2-10 (31):

In Jimmy Garoppolo’s first start at quarterback, the 49ers won at Chicago. He makes his second against the Texans at NRG.

29. Chicago 3-9 (28):

The Bears have a five-game losing streak, including a home loss to San Francisco on Sunday. Three of their last four are on the road.

30. Denver 3-9 (29):

After starting 3-1, the Broncos have lost eight in a row. They were blown out at Miami and try to recover at home against the Jets.

31. N.Y. Giants 2-10 (30):

Owner John Mara cleaned house, firing coach Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese. Eli Manning to start against Dallas.

32. Cleveland 0-12 (32):

Over the last three seasons, the Browns are 4-40. They’ve lost 38 of their last 39 games. They’re 1-27 in Hue Jackson’s two seasons.