Broncos Power Rankings: Week 11 Edition
By Tylor Walden
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison (left) talks with quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the sidelines during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos suffered a second straight loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. To add on to it, the Broncos had no choice but to bench Peyton Manning and put Brock Osweiler in the game. In relief appearance, Osweiler was pretty solid.
On Monday, due to his injury, Gary Kubiak announced that Manning would be out and Osweiler would be in. The Arizona State product will be starting his first NFL game against the Chicago Bears. It will be interesting to see how he does in the game going up against his former coach in John Fox.
With the game upcoming and Week 10 in the books, it is that time again to analyze this week’s Power Rankings. As with the previous power rankings, we take a look at three main sites. The NFL, ESPN, and Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback Fine Fifteen.
So, without further ado, here are how the three sites rank the Denver Broncos for Week 11.
NFL.com- Broncos slide down to No. 8
This week, Elliot Harrison of NFL.com brought the Broncos down big time. Last week, they sat at number four after their loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He brought them down even further this week, almost knocking them out of the Top 10 with them ranked No.8.
He points out Manning breaking the all time passing record being the only highlight of his day. He would be benched as we all know for Brock Osweiler. But Harrison also notes about the offense looking awfully old.
I assume with the way the Broncos have played in their two losses and the performance of Manning was the reason behind Harrison putting them this far down the list. The only thing that puzzles me is the fact that the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are a 6-4 team, are ahead of the Broncos.
I do believe these rankings are based on recent performances. Then again, I guess the Broncos have not looked good enough to be higher up. Wonder if that changes in the Week 12 Power Rankings. Guess we will see.
ESPN was quite generous to the Denver Broncos despite a nightmare performance from Manning. They placed the Broncos down three spots to No. 7. Looking at the other teams ahead of them, I would say this was a fair assessment. The only thing I do not agree with is having Green Bay ahead of them when the Broncos won the head to head meeting.
Then again, perhaps the performance of the offense was a key reason behind the position they are at right now. With Manning struggling, it is understandable, but still a little off in my eyes. But that is the thing with the power rankings. Never know what will happen.
Next: Osweiler will answer big questions for the Broncos
The MMQB- Peter King Puts the Broncos at No. 7 as well
Peter King decided like ESPN to place the Broncos at number seven this week. The difference between his and ESPN’s is that he has the Broncos ranked above the Packers in his edition of the Fine Fifteen. I suppose the head to head matchup worked in the Broncos’ favor.
He notes on how the Broncos are a mysterious 7-2 team with Brock Osweiler at the helm instead of Manning. He also points out that the next game will be a tough win.
That is fair to say since it is a road matchup with the Chicago Bears and the team has been on a roll lately at 4-5. If the Broncos are going to have any chance of playing catch up in the AFC, this is a must win.
What do you think of this week’s power rankings? Comment below and give me your take. Go Broncos!