NFL Power Rankings: Broncos drop two slots following loss to Chargers

The Denver Broncos are still feeling the impact of their loss last Thursday night to the Los Angeles Chargers but overall, the team is sitting in a good spot. 

The Broncos still control their own fate when it comes to qualifying for the postseason and a win over the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday will clinch a playoff spot for the team for the first time since 2015. That said, the team took a small drop in this week's power rankings. 

Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News dropped the Broncos to No. 13, down two spots from last week. Iyer had the following assessment of the Broncos entering Week 17:

"The Broncos have been game all season long with Bo Nix being a keeper at quarterback, but their late defensive issues vs. the Chargers would signal a short playoff stay ... if they can still get there with the Bengals and Chiefs looming."

The Broncos will have to find a way to win one of their last two games against either the Bengals or Chiefs or they will open the door for the possibility that they are sitting home for the playoffs again. Still, fans will gladly take the team's current standing when considering that none of the experts out there picked them to do much of anything this season.

Sean Payton has this team ahead of schedule and competing with each opponent it faces. The collapse at SoFi Stadium last week was concerning, but the team can shake that off with a win over the Bengals. 

The Bengals (7-8), come in at No. 17 in this week's rankings. 

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