Denver Broncos Power Rankings, Week 9: Broncos creep up on Patriots

Here's a look at how NFL analysts around the web rank the Broncos going into week.

ESPN: 2 (last week 4)

Peyton Manning is now one win from passing Brett Favre (186 wins) for most all time by a starting QB (Elias). He can break the record in Indy this week.

Top 5: Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Packers, Panthers.

NFL.com: 2 (last week 5)

The Broncos authored what many would call a statement win Sunday night. And the statement was this: Our defense isn't merely good, it's the best in the league, while our offense and its quarterback can move the ball on anyone.

Top 5: Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, Packers.

Mile High Report: 2 (last week 3)

Ah yes, it feels so good to be a perfect seven and oh.

Top five: Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, Cardinals.

SB Nation: 3 (last week 5)

The Broncos' run game caught fire finally, with C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman combining for 160 yards and three touchdowns to give Denver the kind of balance it wants on that side of the ball.

Top 5: Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Panthers, Cardinals.

CBS Sports: 3 (last week 4)

The Broncos got Peyton Manning and the offense rolling against the Packers. If that continues, they will be a tough team come January.

Top 5: Patriots, Bengals, Broncos, Panthers, Packers.

Fox Sports: 2 (last week 5)

With two of the best cornerbacks and edge rushers in the NFL, the Broncos are undoubtedly the NFL’s best defense. This unit held Aaron Rodgers to under 100 yards passing in a full game for the first and likely last time in his career.

Top 5: Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, Cardinals.

Peter King: 2 (last week 5)

This is starting to look like a complete team, one that doesn’t have to put all the pressure on Peyton Manning to win.

Top 5: Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, Panthers, Packers.

PFF: 4 (last week 5)

When Aqib Talib has been thrown at, opposing quarterbacks have an NFL passer rating of 31.7, second-lowest in the league in Weeks 5 through 8. Chris Harris Jr. isn’t far behind at 47.4, which is sixth-best.

Top 5: Patriots, Panthers, Bengals, Broncos, Cardinals.

So the Patriots are No. 1 across the board, and the Broncos are mostly ranked No. 2 but once at No. 4.

What do you think about these power rankings? Let us know in the comments!