The Denver Broncos enter Week 11 of the NFL season with renewed momentum after a hard-fought victory against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos managed to win a tough game on Thursday night, improving their record to 8-2 after a narrow 10-7 triumph. Despite struggles on the offensive side of the ball, the team”s defense has remained formidable, allowing an average of just 17.3 points per game, ranking third in the league, and leading the NFL with a total of 46 sacks.
As the Broncos prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, analysts have weighed in on their current standing in national power rankings. Here”s how different outlets have rated the Broncos heading into Week 11:
The Athletic placed the Broncos at No. 7, up from No. 8 last week. The report highlighted the impact of Talanoa Hufanga, who has proven to be a key addition since signing a three-year, $39 million deal in the offseason. Hufanga”s leadership was evident as he led the team with nine tackles and recorded another sack, bringing his season total to two.
Bleacher Report also rated the Broncos at No. 7, praising their ability to secure victories despite offensive inconsistencies. The analysis noted that for the team to seriously contend for a Super Bowl, they must achieve greater consistency on offense.
CBS Sports ranked the Broncos ninth, pointing out the struggles of quarterback Bo Nix, who has yet to find his rhythm this season. Pete Prisco emphasized that it is now the responsibility of head coach Sean Payton to address these offensive challenges.
ESPN echoed a similar sentiment with their No. 9 ranking. They commended defensive player Nik Bonitto for his strong performance and highlighted the effectiveness of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph”s aggressive schemes, which have led to the Broncos leading the league in defensive expected points added (EPA).
NFL.com placed the Broncos at No. 8, acknowledging the strength of their defense, particularly with Patrick Surtain II in the lineup. They noted the team”s pursuit of the single-season sack record set by the 1984 Bears, requiring 27 more sacks in their final seven games.
The Ringer maintained the Broncos at No. 7, suggesting that while they have potential, quarterback Bo Nix has struggled to perform at a high level, impacting the team”s overall prospects.
USA Today ranked the Broncos fourth, up from third the previous week, highlighting their impressive sack total as the most recorded by a team in the first ten games since 1990. The article cautioned that the offense needs to improve to avoid putting too much pressure on the defense.
Yahoo! Sports rated the Broncos at No. 7, emphasizing the importance of improving offensive performance to maintain their winning streak. The analysis questioned whether Nix could regain his form as the team prepares for a pivotal matchup against the Chiefs.
The upcoming game against the Chiefs will be critical for the Broncos as they strive to solidify their position in the playoff race. Fans are eager to see if the offense can rise to the occasion and support a defense that has been performing at an elite level.
