Denver Broncos
Predominantly Orange Week Ten NFL Power Rankings
Denver Broncos

Predominantly Orange Week Ten NFL Power Rankings

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

The Cowboys remain hot, the Browns are not.  While the Broncos faltered and the Raiders rose up.  Who is number one?  Check the Week Ten Power Rankings here.

Week nine was one of the most predictable weeks in recent memory.  That doesn’t mean there wasn’t movement in the Top-5 of the Power Rankings.  The Raiders have now solidified themselves as a top team, and the defending champion Broncos have a lot of issues they need to work out when trying to climb their way back to the top.

Meanwhile, in Dallas, Dak Prescott is having one of the best rookie seasons we have ever seen from a quarterback.  What’s even crazier than that, he might not be the best rookie on his own team.  See who fell where here:

 The Rankings

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Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

1. New England Patriots (1)

The best team in football just got a nice week off to charge the batteries.  Tom Brady is playing the best football of his career at the age of 39—a modern miracle to say the least.  The 2016 season does not feature hardly any teams that come off as a power house.  The Patriots are really the only team that seem great.

Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cowboys won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

2.  Dallas Cowboys (2)

One crazy thing to watch with the Cowboys is the fact that they have two players that could be in the mix for Rookie of the Year, and MVP—Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.  It is remarkable to watch these two rookies perform like seasoned vets, and are really at the heart of the 7-1 start by the Cowboys.  Tony Romo, please get comfortable holding the clipboard.

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) gestures toward the crowd during a timeout against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oakland Raiders (5)

7-2, first place in the AFC West—all of this is uncharted territory for the Raiders.  Their offense is very good and their defense got the best medicine at all—a game with the Broncos offense. Regardless they finally have a signature win and they are rolling right now.  For the first time in 14 years, this team has legitimate playoff aspirations.

Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Nick Foles (4) throws a pass during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4)

It’s hard to win in the NFL, so a team should never apologize for squeaking by the lowly Jaguars at home.  However, it is likely that they are eager to get Alex Smith back into the lineup sooner rather than later.  This Chiefs team has some Jeckyll and Hyde to it.  It’s always a mystery which one is going to show up.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Atlanta Falcons (6)

Matt Ryan and the Falcons are just making it look so easy on the offensive side of the football.  Ryan should be the front-runner for MVP, and the Falcons are certainly the favorite to come of the NFC South.  Matty-Ice is sure getting a lot of help from his duo of terrific running backs—if he could get similar help from his defense, this team would be unstoppable.

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with safety Kelcie McCray (33) after a Buffalo Bills incomplete pass on fourth down with 13 seconds left as Bills receiver Robert Woods (10) reacts during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Bills 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

6. Seattle Seahawks (7)

The Seahawks are extremely fortunate to be 5-2-1.  They have had two victories where the officials have appeared to miss blatant pass interference calls—calls that if made, likely would have turned W’s to L’s.  They also got away with one in Arizona.  It is due to good fortune that they aren’t 3-5 or 4-4 right now.  With that said, they have a good defense, and Monday Night, Russell Wilson seemed to discover his legs again.  If they can get going, they certainly have the pieces to compete for another Lombardi.

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) tackles Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

7. Denver Broncos (3)

What the heck happened?  Sunday Night, the Broncos looked like a 2-14 team, not a perennial Super Bowl contender.  For the first time in two years, they got manhandled on both sides of the ball.  They looked like the finesse team, not Oakland.  For a year and a half, the offense has been a huge problem for this team.  With the defense banged up and suddenly very vulnerable, this team will be competing for nothing anytime soon unless they can find a way to move the ball.

Their quarterback is regressing, as is their offensive line.  Since you cannot switch out an entire line, a quarterback switch seems to be inevitable if things continue along this path.  Paging Paxton Lynch—make sure you’re ready.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

8. Arizona Cardinals (12)

Last we saw the Cardinals, they were having flashbacks to the NFC Championship Game from a year ago—getting blown off the field once again by the Panthers.  However, with a bye week, followed by a date with the Niners should be all the medicine they need to get back on track.

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 28-23. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

9. New York Giants (13)

The Giants knocked off a good young Eagles team Sunday and are quietly right in the playoff hunt.  If the season ended today, the Giants would own the first wildcard spot.  With Beckham coming on strong as of late, it would be surprising if their play got worse.

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9)

Yes, they lost, but Steeler fans can rejoice in the fact that Big Ben is back in the lineup. Historically, Roethlisberger has played poor in his return from injury, only to right the ship the following week.  Expect the high flying Steelers offense to return to form next week.

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

11. Minnesota Vikings (8)

The Vikings are currently in a free-fall.  After starting the season as the last remaining undefeated team, three straight losses have send this team back to the middle of the pack. Their offensive coordinator has resigned, and if things don’t change, this team will be looking up at the Lions or Packers in the standings.

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) hands the ball off to Eagles running back Kenjon Barner (34) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 28-23. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

12. Philadelphia Eagles (10)

One word can be used to describe the Eagles—young.  Another word that can bring joy bring joy to Eagles fans—promising.  They’ve already exceeded all expecations coming into the year, so every thing else should be a bonus.

A couple things they know is that they have a true superstar in the making at the quarterback position, and a good young head coach.  Peterson’s aggressiveness backfired on him against the Giants as twice in the first half the Eagles were stopped on fourth and short in field goal range.

What it showed though was that he had faith in his guys, and that is something that a team loves in a head coach.  The Eagles are going to be very good sooner, rather than later.  Can they make a run at the playoffs this year?  Maybe, maybe not.  But for years to come they will be set up, and that is comforting to know if you are an Eagles fan.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) dives over to score a 23 yard rushing touchdown during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

13. Washington Redskins (14)

It’s still early, but the Redskins are currently sitting in the final wildcard spot in the NFC.  They had a nice bye week to enjoy after their trip to London, and now look to come out in the second half firing.  Kirk Cousins is playing for a long-term deal, and Redskins are getting it done in the best division in football.  Buckle up—should be an exciting second half in the NFC East.

Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; A squirrel interrupts the game between the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

14. Green Bay Packers (11)

One of the most troubling things about the Packers 4-4 start is the lack of a home field advantage.  Once upon a time it was nearly impossible to go into Lambeau and come out with a victory again Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.  Now?  Not so much.

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Dean Marlowe (29) gets by Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) for a gain in the second half of the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

15. Carolina Panthers (19)

Just Keep Pounding.  After a 1-5 start, the Panthers seemed to have weathered the storm in their young secondary.  With a renewed commitment to feeding Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers look poised to recapture some of that magic from the 2015 season.  The biggest concern for the Panthers at this point is the week-to-week beating that their MVP quarterback is taking.  Perhaps Newton will draw a roughing the passer penalty next week when he gets speared in the head.  But for now, the officials seem content to swallow their whistles and watch one of the true superstars in the league absorb unnecessary hits repeatedly.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the first half against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

16. Houston Texans (15)

The Texans have now had their bye and have yet to win a road game.  They have a good opportunity to do that Sunday as they play the Jaguars.  They better figure out how to get some road wins quick, because they only have 3 remaining games at home.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) pumps his fist during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

17. San Diego Chargers (16)

San Diego is a team on the rise.  This past weekend they scored two defensive touchdowns.  Combine that with Melvin Gordon rushing for over 190 yards against a team that gives up slightly more than 80 yards per game on the ground, and a veteran quarterback playing at a very high level and you have a team that can win this year.  The slow start killed them, but this team could easily be 6-3 or 7-2, and has one of the most balanced rosters in the league.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) gestures before the play against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at Levi

18. New Orleans Saints (24)

All of the sudden, the Saints are hot as they have climbed all the way back to .500.  They chose a perfect time to host the defending champion Broncos this week.  The Saints offense is rolling, and the Broncos defense is battered, allowing 30 on Sunday Night to the Raiders.  Combine that with the fact that the Saints weakness is their defense—a weakness that a terrible Broncos offense is unlikely to be able to exploit.  For weeks, the Broncos futile offense has been making average to poor defenses look like absolute world beaters.  Combine all this with the fact that the 11am start time is typically a tough game for a Pacific/Mountain time zone team, and you have a good recipe to get a win if you are the Saints.

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

19. Buffalo Bills (18)

There are no moral victories in the NFL, but the Bills came about as close to that as they could hope.  They delivered a very good showing in an extremely hostile environment as they nearly out-gained the Seahawks 2 to 1.  It really doesn’t help them at all in the win column, but they should feel good about themselves moving forward as many teams have fared far worse in front of the 12th man.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands off to running back DeMarco Murray (29) during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

20. Tennessee Titans (17)

Are the Titans going to win the AFC South?  Who knows.  What is certain is, despite the loss, the Titans have the look of the best team in that division.  Not sure if that says more about the weakness of the division or the strength of the Titans, but either way, it’s good news for a team that has been down for a long time.

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) celebrates his game-winning touchdown during the overtime against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

21. Detroit Lions (23)

Oh the Lions—just when it’s time to declare them a good team, they stink up the joint.  Just when it’s time to write them off as awful, they come out and win a big game.  Matthew Stafford is playing some great football, and because of that they’ll be competitive.  Really not sure what else to say about the Lions—check back next week.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks on after the game against the Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

22. Cincinnati Bengals (21)

The Bengals got a week to sit and think about where they are at as a football team.  In comparison to expectations, the year would appear to be lost.  There is a lot of football left to be played, but they are going to have to begin playing at a high level very soon if they would like to get their season off of life support.

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

23. Baltimore Ravens (25)

It is impossible to judge the Ravens after they beat the Steelers.  It does not matter the quality of these two teams, they always play close games.  However, it was encouraging to see the Ravens back in the win column.  Now with a team other than the Steelers on the docket, can they build on this win, or will they revert back to the team that lost the previous four games?

Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Jets 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

24. Miami Dolphins (22)

It doesn’t quite seem fair that the Dolphins dropped two spots in the rankings after a win, however life isn’t fair.  Fact is though, the Dolphins are playing far better football then they were a few weeks ago when they appeared they’d be in the running for the number one draft pick.  They’ve actually put themselves in the hunt for a wildcard spot in the AFC—an impressive turnaround to say the least.

Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

25. Indianapolis Colts (28)

Sometimes things happen and we don’t really know why—things like the Colts beating the Packers in Lambeau.  I suppose sometimes it’s good to have a little Luck on your side—Andrew Luck that is.  When there’s a Luck, there’s a way.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries (11) is congratulated by quarterback Jameis Winston (3) after he scored a touchdown against the Atlanta Falconsduring the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20)

The future is bright for the Bucs as they have a very good young quarterback.  Unfortunately the future isn’t now just yet.  The Bucs have a lot of holes on there football team that need to be addressed—defending the pass is one of them.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

27. Chicago Bears (27)

Are the Cutler-led Bears a good team, or are the Vikings just a much worse team than we initially thought?  This question was put on hold due to the Bears bye week.  Lets reconvene after this coming week.

Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) reacts during the second half against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

28. New York Jets (26)

What a disappointing season for the Jets.  Their QB turned out to be a fraud.  Their star cornerback turned out to be over the hill.  Poor Brandon Marshall may never go to the playoffs.  Time to hit the reset button in New York.

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) in the first half during the NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

29. Los Angeles Rams (29)

Here comes the weekly, “why isn’t Jared Goff playing” argument.  Jeff Fisher states that Keenum gives them the best chance to win.  The question needs to be “what are your really playing for anyways?”

Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) tackles Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Ivory (33) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (30)

The Jaguars are the biggest waste of collective talent in the league.  For the players they have, the record is simply unacceptable.  Gus Bradley has no excuses, he should have been let go a week ago.  He has been afforded multiple years through the rebuilding process, but this was supposed to be the year they were competitive at the very least.  That has not happened and Bradley will be extremely fortunate if he see’s another year.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) throws the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi

31. San Francisco 49ers (31)

If the Browns weren’t around, the Niners would be a shoe-in for the worst team in the league.  Lucky for them, Cleveland is even worse.  The Niners have been having nice first halves, but following it up with abysmal second halves.  Maybe the offense just wears themselves down playing at such a high pace—-the opposite of what it is supposed to do.

Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) makes a touchdown reception against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

32. Cleveland Browns (32)

Terrelle Pryor is the only player on the roster that should be retained—he and Jamie Collins.

This team is more likely than not to go 0-16—what a joke.

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