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The New England Patriots are the consensus No. 1 team in the NFL following Week 14, according to the power ranking polls at SB Nation, ESPN.com, FoxSports.com and NFL.com.
Currently in the midst of a seven-game winning streak, the Patriots have already clinched the AFC East division title and will look to secure a first-round bye. After a blowout victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night, New England is one game out of first place in the conference and will undoubtedly attempt to gain home-field advantage through the playoffs.
With three games remaining this season, the San Francisco 49ers are the only team left on the schedule with a winning record.
At SB Nation, curator Joel Thorman moved the team up two spots to the top spot. Citing the team's winning streak, points-per-game average and domination of Houston, Thorman is anticipating Sunday night's matchup with San Francisco:
Your new No. 1. The Patriots have now won seven straight. They're scoring 36 (!!) points per game, they're in the top 10 rushing and passing the ball, and they just beat our previous No. 1 team by four touchdowns. If you're into testing teams to see how good they really are, the Patriots play another elite defense in San Francisco next week.
At ESPN.com, the poll acted in concert with Thorman's rankings as the team moved up two spots to No. 1. This also held true at NFL.com, while Brian Billick bumped the team up three spots from last week to No. 1 at FoxSports.com.