NFL Power Rankings: Where do Broncos stand entering Week 15? | Sporting News

The Denver Broncos did not play in Week 14 and got some much-needed rest and time to recharge their batteries following a back-and-forth battle against the Cleveland Browns last Monday night. But they still dropped in the power rankings. 

The Broncos finally cracked the top 10 recently but that stay was short-lived. Despite being on a three-game winning streak, the team has dropped in the rankings two weeks in a row. After allowing the Browns to pile up yardage and points last week and with the play of some of the teams in the league on Sunday, those in charge of the rankings have been swayed to keep the Broncos in that “needing to prove something” range. 

That is the case with Vinnie Iyer and his recent power rankings where he puts the Broncos at No. 14, down two spots from last week. The biggest reasons for the drop were the Los Angeles Rams’ upset of the Buffalo Bills and the surging Seattle Seahawks. 

But the Broncos can’t be upset with that spot. It’s still in the top half of the league and at 8-5, they still sit in the No. 7 spot in the AFC playoff race. That makes the No. 14 spot just about right. Here’s what Iyer had to say:

“The Broncos can feel that playoff berth with rookie QB Bo Nix, thanks to his growing confidence and some key defensive support, but they need to be ready to turn back the scrappy Colts next.”

Broncos have showdown with the Chargers looming

The Broncos will face the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) in Week 15. The Colts happen to be the No. 8 team in the AFC right now, so it will be a must-win for them. The Broncos could deal them a knockout blow with a victory. 

But the game in Week 16 between the Broncos and Chargers, which was flexed onto Thursday Night Football, will be the biggest remaining game on the schedule. The Chargers sit at No. 6 right now, so the Broncos could get ahead of them and out of the last spot. 

Wins in the next two games would easily vault the Broncos back into the top 10 of the power rankings. 

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