NFL power rankings Week 17: How did a fifth loss in a row affect the Patriots?

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The New England Patriots, after losing their first game after the bye week, fell again on Sunday, this time to the Buffalo Bills, 24-21 at Highmark Stadium.

Jerod Mayo's team has been tough to watch in all three phases this year. Each unit has a talented player or two to build around for the future, but with how the season has gone, it wouldn't be a bad idea to change out most of the group.

At this point, New England is in last place in the AFC East with a 3-12 record and has lost five contests in a row. Before they take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium this upcoming weekend, let's take a look at the newest NFL power rankings and see where the Patriots landed.

NFL Power Rankings Week 17: New England Patriots

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 27 (+2)

Iyer: "Drake Maye is giving the Patriots a lot of positives going into what should be a much better Year 2 with an improved supporting cast."

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: 28 (no change)

Cluff: "The Patriots have lost five straight games and end the season with games against the Chargers and Bills."

Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 29 (-1)

Wirth: "Just one week after I basically called Drake Maye forgettable, he goes toe-to-toe with Josh Allen and the Bills. Touché."

ESPN: 27 (no change)

Mike Reiss: "Maye is the obvious choice (for Rookie of the Year) because of how well he has played ... and the lack of impact from most of the rest of the Patriots' rookie class. Maye has completed 67.6% of passes for 2,159 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while adding 48 rushes for 389 yards. He has thrown at least one touchdown in each of the past seven games, tying Jim Plunkett's record for a New England rookie quarterback (1971)."

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 29 (+1)

Prisco: "They competed against the Bills, which is progress. It also sounds like head coach Jerod Mayo will get a chance to be back for his second season."