Broncos Power Rankings: Week 15 Edition

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws a pass during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders won 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the Denver Broncos latest loss to the Oakland Raiders, how will they be viewed from the weekly power rankings standpoint?

Well Broncos Country, time to shake that loss off and move on to Pittsburgh. I know that I have. It was perhaps the worst loss of the season for the Broncos in due part to the self destruction among other things. If you want to read my reaction to the loss, follow the link here.

Before we can all officially move on to Pittsburgh, there is one more thing that must be covered. Yes, the weekly power rankings are now released. I was a bit nervous at first on how they would view the Broncos after the performance on Sunday.

However, it is what it is. It will be very interesting to see where they have the Broncos at after a game that they had on a silver platter, but unfortunately it got knocked over and spilled all over.

So, let us take a look at how the analysis over at Bleacher Report, NFL, ESPN, and the Monday Morning Quarterback ranked the Broncos this week ahead of the Week 15 matchup against the Steelers.

Bleacher Report: Broncos Drop Two to No. 5

Sean Tomlinson placed the Broncos at No. 5 this week on his power rankings, dropping him two spots from the No. 3 ranking he gave them last week.

He notes on how things could have been different if the Broncos offense had converted on one red zone trip. And he could not be any more truthful. If the Broncos had scored one touchdown, we could be looking at a 16-15 victory.

But that is already said and done. Tomlinson even took a jab at Julius Thomas, mentioning his infamous “It’s so easy” line. But football is not easy at all.

One statistic to keep in mind. Brock Osweiler was only 2-of-8 from the red zone. Not pretty at all. Then again, some of the passes were drops. Not that I am covering Osweiler, but the failed attempts could be split down the line.

NFL.com: Broncos Drop Two to No. 6

Elliot Harrison brought some jokes for the Denver Broncos this week.

Harrison decided to drop the Broncos two spots out of the top five and to number six. Harrison was not too kind this time around.

Starting off with wanting to “drop a nice line” was just the beginning. He also points out the two turnovers the Broncos had in the game from their two wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.

If you look at the teams ahead of them, he has the three teams that deserve to be there. And then adds the two teams that are red-hot in Pittsburgh and Seattle, both teams at 8-5. I suppose losing a game like that, the rankings would reflect on that. But like Harrison says at the end of his analysis for the Broncos, on to the next one.

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (40) is tackled by Oakland Raiders cornerback Neiko Thorpe (31) and linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN- Broncos drop one spot to No. 4

At least ESPN was a bit more kinder than Harrison was. But surprising that they only dropped them one spot. I suppose having the Bengals losing and the other teams not doing enough did the trick.

Something to keep an eye on that ESPN points out. The Broncos are turning the ball over less with Osweiler than they were with Manning, but are getting sacked more. A very interesting statistic.

I will say, I am glad that the turnovers have been reduced. Now, if the offensive line can protect a bit longer. I am aware that Osweiler holds on to the ball longer than Manning, but you have to give somewhat of a pass to him. He is learning the game.

The goal of an offensive line is two things. Protect the quarterback and create holes for the running backs. Neither was done against the Raiders. So, we all know what homework the offensive line needs to work on this week.

The MMQB- Broncos drop four spots to No. 6

Well, the biggest drop in the rankings came from Peter King. However, kind of expected when they were No. 2 in the rankings last week. One thing to keep an eye out for is that he mentions the Broncos in two separate rankings.

First, he talks about cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. when the Steelers are mentioned at No. 5. He mentions that he loves the Broncos defense, but that the cornerback tandem will need to play their game of the year next weekend.

I could not agree more. With Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Markus Wheaton on the field, it is going to be a tough time for the secondary. They need to bring their A-Game.

Next: Who is to blame for the Broncos loss?

Now, onto what King states about the Broncos in their rankings. Basically, he points out that Osweiler will most likely be the starter, but next week to look out. Because The Sheriff might be coming back in Week 16 against Cincy.

No worries King. Broncos Country will be keeping a close eye during that time. For now, we are focused on Pittsburgh.

What do you all think of this week’s power rankings? Leave a comment below. Go Broncos!