NFL Power Rankings 2012: Patriots ranked 3rd by SB Nation

The New England Patriots had to wait a few weeks but Tuesday they finally slipped in the the top three of SB Nation's NFL Power Rankings. The Patriots (9-3) moved up two spots after defeating the Miami Dolphins, 23-16, in Week 13.

NFL Editor Joel Thorman placed the top-ranked Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons (No. 2) ahead of New England, which has won six straight games. The Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers round out the top five.

3. New England Patriots (LW: 5, 9-3): According to this poll, 87 percent of Patriots fans are at least a little a concerned about Brandon Lloyd's lack of involvement in the offense. Every team would love to have that problem if they're scoring over 35 points per game like New England is.

The Patriots remain the highest-ranked AFC East team, as the Buffalo Bills, ranked 19th, Miami Dolphins, 20th, and New York Jets, 23rd, are all ranked below them.

This week, New England hosts Houston for a Monday night showdown (8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN). The Patriots follow-up with a Week 15 contest against visiting San Francisco.

The league's 30th-ranked team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, host the Patriots in Week 16, while the Dolphins visit the Patriots in Week 17.

The complete NFL Power Rankings can be found here.