The Broncos’ latest climb in the power rankings comes with plenty of proof behind it.
Denver moved up again after Sunday’s 28-24 win over Kansas City, a comeback that featured an 11-point second-half rally, two fourth-quarter touchdowns and a goal-line stand to finish it off. That result pushed the Broncos to 6-2 and kept their surge rolling after wins over the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chiefs.
Now, two of the league’s most watched ranking outlets have Denver sitting at No. 3.
Bleacher Report bumped the Broncos up three places, from No. 6 to No. 3, and one of the biggest reasons was the way they answered their season-opening loss in Kansas City. Seven weeks after being beaten 31-10 at Arrowhead Stadium, Denver flipped the script in the rematch and made Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III a non-factor after he had run over, through and around the Broncos in the opener.
"The Denver Broncos avenged their season-opening blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, limiting running back Kenneth Walker III to 69 rushing yards after he had run for a career-high 173 yards in their previous meeting," reasoned B/R’s Maurice Moton. "The Broncos have played through a tough schedule and have one of the league’s best records, which speaks to their strong first-half run."
The Athletic also moved Denver from No. 6 to No. 3, though Chad Graff and Josh Kendall added a dose of caution while looking ahead. They pointed to rookie running back Jonah Coleman’s 104 total yards against the Chiefs, but noted that his opportunities could shrink if the Broncos land Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Rumors around Taylor have swirled since it became clear the Colts would be open to trading anyone and everyone on their roster before next Tuesday.
Even so, Graff and Kendall framed that possibility as a positive for Denver rather than a problem, suggesting Taylor would only add to what Coleman already brings.
NFL.com was a little less generous. Nick Shook moved the Broncos up just two spots, from No. 8 to No. 6, even with Sunday’s landmark win. In his rankings, the Chicago Bears checked in at No. 3 after a 34-17 road win over the Seattle Seahawks, while the Detroit Lions landed at No. 5 despite a 19-15 home win over the Minnesota Vikings.
Still, Shook called Denver’s victory "huge" and wrote, "If the Broncos can follow this trajectory, they’ll round into top form by December - and thanks to Sunday’s triumph, they’ll be right in the thick of the race for the AFC West crown."
The Broncos’ rise also fits the numbers. Their 15th straight win in one-score games set a record, and Bo Nix became the first NFL quarterback since 1970 to post 15 game-winning drives in his first three seasons. That all came while Denver handed the Chiefs just the third loss in 83 games in which they had led by double digits in the fourth quarter with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback.
All three outlets still have the Buffalo Bills at No. 1. And if Denver and Buffalo keep rolling, their Christmas afternoon meeting in Denver could carry plenty of weight when it arrives.
In Other News...
Broncos Midseason Review Reveals Whos Driving This 6-2 Start
A 6-2 start and a four-game winning streak have put the Broncos in a strong early position, and the midseason picture is starting to show who has helped carry them there. Jonah Coleman has emerged as a key piece in the backfield, Malcolm Roach has given the defense a steady push inside, and Sean Payton reached his 200th career win along the way, a reminder that the veteran coach is still adding to an already long rsum.
The same review also makes clear that the Broncos have not settled into one clean offensive formula just yet. Davis Webbs time handling the play-calling ended after the first four games, and J.K. Dobbins has seen his role shrink as the season has gone on, leaving Denver with some interesting questions even as the wins keep piling up. [Read more 🡒]
Alex Singleton Has Become The Heart Of Denvers Four-Game Surge
Alex Singleton has been everywhere for Denver during its four-game surge, the kind of linebacker who seems to show up in the middle of every critical snap. Over the Broncos last two games, he piled up 33 tackles and two sacks, and his work has helped steady a defense that has carried Denver into first place in the AFC West.
The latest example came in the win over Kansas City, where Singleton delivered a key sack in a 28-24 victory that kept the Broncos rolling. He already has 101 tackles through eight games, and with Denver riding momentum at the top of the division, his production has become one of the biggest reasons the team looks so different right now. [Read more 🡒]
Broncos Quarterback Depth Could Suddenly Matter In Baltimores Crisis
Baltimores quarterback situation has gone from uneasy to urgent, with Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley both dealing with injuries and rookie Joe Fagnano now lined up to start. With the Ravens suddenly forced to consider outside help, ESPNs Adam Schefter noted the team could explore the market, which is the kind of development that can quickly turn a backup quarterback into a trade chip.
For Denver, that puts a little more attention on a room that was supposed to be a quiet part of the roster. The Broncos have Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger available, and the Ravens need could create an opening if they decide to pursue a veteran option with some built-in familiarity in Baltimores system. Even if nothing materializes right away, this is the sort of situation that can make depth feel a lot more valuable than it did a week ago. [Read more 🡒]