Power rankings around the web: Week 2

Week 1 of the NFL is in the books and the power rankings have shifted around quite a bit. Last week, the majority of the rankers were over the moon about the NFC, but it was several AFC teams that had standout wins when all was said and done.

ESPN: 8 (last week 8)

Trevor Siemian was one of three quarterbacks with multiple interceptions in Week 1, but a formula of great defense and good-enough quarterback play worked for the Broncos last season. It will need to work again in Week 2 with Andrew Luck and the Colts coming to town.

Top 5: 1. Packers 2. Patriots 3. Seahawks 4. Steelers 5. Cardinals

In case you’re wondering, the Panthers were ranked #6 in ESPN’s week 2 rankings. Which didn’t go over very well with some Broncos fans.

My take is this: the ESPN rankers are clearly trapped in the Upside Down and this is a desperate cry for help. Keep them in your thoughts as they try and battle their way back to reality. And if you don’t understand the Upside Down reference, leave now to go binge watch Stranger Things on Netflix and then come right back.

NFL.com (2) last week 6

Here's the thing with Gary Kubiak's group: The Broncos are well-coached and, based on their style of play, will always have a chance to win.

Top 5: 1. Patriots 2. Broncos 3. Packers 4. Steelers 5. Seahawks

I’m not going to argue with anyone who has the Patriots ranked #1 right now because I’m still mad at myself for picking the Cardinals in my pick ‘em pool. I knew, I just KNEW the Patriots would find a way to win a game everyone said they would lose. Annoying.

MHR: (2) last week 5

The Broncos have a lot of wrinkles to iron out, but less than they did at the beginning of last season. That one ended in a world championship.

Top 5: 1. Steelers 2. Broncos 3. Patriots 4. Panthers 5. Packers

Can’t argue with the Steelers at #1 either.

SB Nation: (2) last week 10

I underestimated the Broncos. No, I underestimated Trevor Siemian. He wasn’t exactly an All-Pro, but he was good enough and had a great team around him.

Top 5: 1. Patriots 2. Broncos 3. Seahawks 4. Bengals 5. Packers

Look! Someone just said they underestimated the Denver Broncos! Maybe the ESPN rankers will say something similar when they escape their alternate reality.

CBS Sports: (5) last week 8

With that defense, it might not matter what they get from the quarterback position. But Trevor Siemian needs to drive the football down the field.

Top 5: 1. Patriots 2. Packers 3. Bengals 4. Seahawks 5. Broncos

Highest ranking for the Bengals on this one.

Fox Sports: (6) last week 8

The Broncos retained their “title” against the Panthers in the season opener, beating Carolina in a Thursday night thriller. Quarterback Trevor Siemian played OK, but the defense was spectacular once again. There is still a significant lack of explosiveness on offense, and Siemian needs to improve, but he got the job done down the stretch. They move up a few spots, but the offense still has a lot to prove.

Top 5: 1. Patriots 2. Seahawks 3. Packers 4. Steelers 5. Bengals

Seahawks #2? I hope Packers and Steelers fans are insulted by this. I’m just insulted by the ridiculous use of quotes in this blurb.

MMQB: 5

Elway looks like a genius. Here’s the thing about a young QB like Trevor Siemian: Experience will teach both him and opposing defenses. Will be interesting to see how he adjusts the next few weeks.

Top 5: 1. Patriots 2. Steelers 3. Panthers 4. Cardinals 5. Broncos

This is the only ranking to not have the Packers in their top 5.

Which teams are in your top 5 this week Broncos Country?