AP Power Rankings: Cowboys still No. 1 as top 6 stays same

NEW YORK (AP) — The final month of the NFL's regular season is when the playoff contenders begin to separate themselves from the also-rans.

The Cowboys are No. 1 after receiving 11 first-place votes for 383 points from balloting by media members who regularly cover the NFL.

"The AFC North has been having a down year, but suddenly, both the Steelers and the Ravens look like teams who could go on a run if they get into the postseason," said Jenny Vrentas of The Monday Morning Quarterback.

"The loss of Rob Gronkowski to a season-ending back injury isn't a factor in what turned out to be an easy win over the Rams, but the Patriots have to be concerned once the degree of difficulty goes way up in the playoffs," Newsday's Bob Glauber said.

For now, the main task is trying to secure home-field advantage, no small feat with the Raiders and Chiefs also in play for the No. 1 seed.