National Football League

Patriots increase lead atop AP Pro32 NFL power rankings

Published Oct. 13, 2015 3:00 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) The New England Patriots are running away from Green Bay and the rest of the pack in the AP's latest Pro32 NFL power rankings.

After another dominating win, this one over the injury-depleted Dallas Cowboys, the Patriots (4-0) received nine first-place votes and 381 points in balloting by the 12 media members who regularly cover the league. The Packers (5-0) remain second with three-first place votes and 373 points.

Last week, New England had a 7-5 edge in first-place votes. The two voters who changed have their reasons.

''The Patriots are the most complete team in the game right now,'' Newsday's Bob Glauber said in moving New England ahead of Green Bay, ''with Tom Brady performing flawlessly on offense and Bill Belichick pushing all the right buttons on defense.''

Also switching to the Patriots was ESPN's Herm Edwards.

''Another week, another impressive victory,'' the former NFL coach said.

The Patriots visit the Indianapolis Colts (3-2) on Sunday night. The Colts, following last Thursday night's win against Houston, had one of the biggest jumps in moving up five spots to 12th.

Despite being without quarterback Andrew Luck the past two games, the Colts seem to be coming on strong.

''The Colts are in control of the AFC South despite their 3-2 record because they are the only team in the NFL 3-0 in their division,'' Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News said.

With a 27-24 overtime win over Seattle, Cincinnati (5-0) moved up to third with 360 points. Denver (5-0) dropped to fourth after a 16-10 win over Oakland. Atlanta (5-0) is fifth.

''These guys have it all,'' Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune said of the Bengals, ''including a surprising amount of grit.''

The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs continue to tumble. The Ravens are down five places to 23rd; the Chiefs four spots to 24th.

''Difficult to believe Ravens 1-4,'' said John Czarnecki of Fox Sports. As for the Chiefs, he said, ''Can't win without (Jaamal) Charles (out for year with injury); humiliated at home.''

The New York Jets (3-1) rose to eighth and the New York Giants (3-2) to 10th.

''Hard to believe they are this high after 0-2 start,'' NBC Sports' Tony Dungy said of the Giants.

Jacksonville replaces Tampa Bay at No. 32 after its loss to the Buccaneers, who climbed to 26th with their second win of the season.

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AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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