NFL power rankings: Patriots stumble to 5th; Dolphins 22nd

Bruce Arians is finally throwing some compliments in the direction of first-round pick Robert Nkemdiche. That’s a positive sign for the defensive lineman in a disappointing season.

Playoff hopes took a major hit as they blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead Monday night to the Steelers and had a franchise-record 171 penalty yards.

If it was just a loss to the Eagles, you’d call it a speed bump, but injuries to Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman are more like collapsed bridges.

They did a number on Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, and Pete Carroll’s team might be heating up at just the right time.

If they stay healthy, and that’s a big if, this is a team no one wants to face in the AFC playoffs.

Four weeks after emotional overtime victory at Denver we will see how the Chiefs respond after tough loss to Titans.

Aaron Rodgers certainly has the Cowboys’ number. Green Bay has now won last three trips to Dallas 35-31, 34-31 and 26-21.

Revis Island is no longer a destination wide receivers fear.

Teddy Bridgewater can’t manage the offense when they’re getting blown out. Curious to see the defense versus Carson Palmer and the Cardinals.

Their top two draft picks, Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland, are injured and their best defensive player, Marcell Dareus, is suspended for four games.

Brock Osweiler has some terrific wide receivers, including speedy Will Fuller, and a great defense. We’ll see if he can win for Bill O’Brien.

18. Colts 8-8  (AJ Mast / AP)

Five-game winning streak ended in Dallas and question is how young team will respond against Saints.

Always tough to start a rookie quarterback. Even more difficult when he missed final three weeks of the preseason with a rib injury.

Looks like this could be the end of the line for an impressive run by Tom Coughlin.

Derek Carr has been much better than he showed against the Chiefs.

They finally won a game without Tony Romo and as improbable as it is, they’re alive in the hot mess known as the NFC East.

4. Falcons 11-5  (Brandon Wade / AP)

Some are wondering about status of coach Jim Caldwell, who signed a new contract in the offseason, after a blowout loss to the Ravens.

With the playoffs on the line, fell to 1-16 in last 17 Monday night home games, a wretched slump that dates back to 1998.

Everyone is saying Blaine Gabbert looks better than he ever did with the Jaguars. Folks, there was nowhere to go but up.

The firing of offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti might be a tad late. How many coordinators will Jeff Fisher get anyway?

Couldn’t keep Drew Brees down three weeks in a row as offense erupted in victory at Arizona.

It’s really something that they’re four games above .500 and have a minus-16 point differential.

Owner Shad Khan has shown patience with coach Gus Bradley and it might just pay off this season. They have offensive firepower and a young defense.

Johnny’s back.