NEW YORK (AP) – Tom Brady and the New England Patriots maintained their mastery of the AFC East and returned to the top spot in the NFL.
The Patriots clinched the division for the 11th time in 12 years with Sunday’s 41-13 rout of the Miami Dolphins.
New England (11-3) received nine of 12 first-place votes Tuesday in the AP Pro32 power rankings, which are decided by a media panel that regularly covers the league.
“Remember when Tom Brady was in decline and the 2-2 Patriots were about to lose control of the AFC East? So much for that,” Newsday’s Bob Glauber said.
“Brady has 28 TDs and six INTs since his uneven start, and the Pats have won nine of their last 10 to win another AFC East title and earn the inside track on home-field advantage in the conference playoffs.”