Broncos Power Rankings: Week 14 Edition

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) gives away his game gloves to a fan during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Denver won 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos’ defense flexed their muscles on Sunday by beating the San Diego Chargers by a score of 17-3. But where does that put them in this week’s power rankings?

Quite a defensive showing for the Broncos on Sunday, despite missing a few key players. And now this team will be entering the Week 14 matchup against the Oakland Raiders banged up even more on the defense.

With the various amounts of injuries, Broncos fans are just hoping that they can recover quickly. But there is no denying how deep the Broncos are on both sides of the football. With the various amounts of injuries, reserve players have been asked to step up and have done so.

And while Brock Osweiler has not put up those “Star Wars” numbers, he has done a solid job in keeping the Broncos in games. The team has rallied behind him and won the last three games.

So, what will the power ranking sites say about it? Like last week, we are looking at Bleacher Report, NFL.com, ESPN, and Peter King’s Fine Fifteen. So, let us jump right into it.

Bleacher Report- Broncos Stay At No. 3

For Bleacher Report, despite the win, they have kept the Broncos still at No. 3. They are currently behind the Arizona Cardinals (who jumped two spots to No. 2) and the Carolina Panthers.

This is a reasonable place to put the Broncos in my opinion. Sean Tomlinson even points out how effective Osweiler has been in Peyton Manning’s absence. He even believes that Osweiler should start the rest of the season and the playoffs. (Broncos can clinch the AFC West with a win and a Chiefs loss.)

Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if that will happen. We all aren’t Gary Kubiak like Tomlinson said. But we have to be impressed with what Osweiler has done since starting for the Broncos.

NFL.com- Broncos rise one spot to No. 4

Elliot Harrison decided to give the Broncos a little bit of love on his version of the Power Rankings. After having them stuck on No. 5 despite a win against the Patriots, he bumped the Broncos up one spot to number four.

Harrison credits the Broncos defense for their win on Sunday and even points out that despite San Diego’s record, the Broncos did not look past them at all in this game. Which is true, but a lot of people were surprised that the opening drive was the only points the offense got the entire game.

Either way, the team is finding ways to win. And we got to see that Orange Crush defense limit Phillip Rivers to just 179 net passing yards. That was even without T.J. Ward in the lineup. Impressive, right?

Dec 6, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and cornerback Aqib Talib (21) celebrate after a defensive stop during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN- Broncos drop one spot to No. 4

Well, so much for staying in the top three. But there is no reason to be concerned. ESPN, after having the Broncos up to number three last week, dropped them one spot to number four. In my opinion, I believe the reason behind it is due to the Bengals’ performance the past couple weeks.

At this point in the season, I can understand the Broncos being behind not only the two teams that I have mentioned earlier, but also the Bengals. It will be interesting how these two teams stack up on Monday Night Football in three weeks.

I honestly believe the next three weeks is going to say a lot about this Broncos team. With the Raiders and Bengals at home and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, we will know a lot more about this team whether Osweiler or Manning starts in those games.

The MMQB- Broncos Stay at No. 2

With the undefeated Panthers ahead of them, there is a complete understanding as to why the Broncos are staying at number two for Peter King this week. But this also speaks volumes on what he thinks about them.

My opinion, the Broncos have done enough in Osweiler’s 3-0 start, (which includes a big win over the Patriots.) and have a great defense that warrants this spot. While some fans may not agree, this is not my decision. I will say it could be a bit too high, but then again, I cannot complain at all.

Next: Broncos defense leading the way

King does point out that the Broncos’ current signal caller does face a huge question if he continues to get the nod to start. And that question is how will he do when facing tough tests against the Steelers and Bengals. I honestly believe those two games, if he starts, will determine what the Broncos do as far as his contract situation.

What do you guys think of the current rankings? Leave your responses in the comments below. Go Broncos!