The Denver Broncos secured a thrilling victory against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, winning 27-26 in overtime. This nail-biting win came after the team’s bye week and improved their record to an impressive 10-2, placing them two games ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. With this performance, the Broncos find themselves just half a game behind the New England Patriots, who currently lead the AFC with an 11-2 record.
Power Rankings Overview
As the Broncos head into Week 14, various national experts have provided their assessments of the team’s performance and potential.
The Athletic ranked the Broncos third, down from second last week. Analysts Josh Kendall and Chad Graff noted the team’s ability to win despite not always being dominant, highlighting Bo Nix’s 321 passing yards. However, they cautioned that the upcoming schedule includes four opponents with records at .500 or better, which will test the team’s resilience.
Bleacher Report also placed the Broncos at number two, up from three. Kris Knox observed that while the offense, led by Nix, may not be consistently efficient, the team’s top-five defense has been crucial. He emphasized the importance of the Broncos finding their offensive rhythm as the postseason approaches.
CBS Sports mirrored this sentiment, ranking the Broncos second as well. Pete Prisco remarked on the team’s knack for winning closely contested games, a hallmark of strong teams.
ESPN’s ranking, also at third, pointed to the impact of injuries on the roster. With J.K. Dobbins on injured reserve, Harvey has stepped up as the primary running back. Analyst Jeff Legwold indicated that the Broncos need Harvey to perform decisively for their running game to thrive.
Continuing Challenges and Future Outlook
NFL.com maintained the Broncos in third place, highlighting the team’s ability to secure late-game victories. Eric Edholm noted that the Broncos have won nine straight games, seven of which were by a single score. He compared their performance to that of the Kansas City Chiefs’ successful run last season, suggesting that the Broncos could achieve similar success if they continue to thrive in high-pressure situations.
The Ringer also ranked the Broncos at number three, emphasizing the disconnect between the strong defensive unit and the inconsistent passing game. Diante Lee expressed hope that the offense could improve to better support the team’s formidable defense.
USA Today placed the Broncos fifth, reflecting on their parallel with the Seattle Seahawks, citing a strong defense and a quarterback capable of both brilliance and unpredictability.
Lastly, Yahoo! Sports rated the Broncos third, noting the ongoing issues that hampered their offense in the fourth quarter against the Commanders. Frank Schwab highlighted the importance of winning close games, a philosophy embraced by head coach Sean Payton.
As the Broncos prepare for their next matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at 14:05, the team looks to solidify its standing in the AFC and maintain momentum as the postseason approaches. The continued focus will be on improving offensive consistency while relying on a defense that has proven to be one of the league’s best.
