Story by
Broncos Earn New Position in NFL Power Rankings After Chiefs Game
- Story by
- Broncos Earn New Position in NFL Power Rankings After Chiefs Game
The Denver Broncos entered their Week 12 bye on a high note after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
The win took Denver's record to 9-2, tied for the best in the NFL after Week 11. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 24-of-37 passes for 295 yards, outgaining Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes (276 passing yards). Broncos kicker Will Lutz hit all five of his field goals, including a 35-yard game-winner as the clock expired.
Advertisement
Sean Payton's team has now opened up a huge gap on the Chiefs (5-5) in the AFC West division standings. The statement victory gave them a boost in ESPN's Week 12 NFL power rankings , but Denver's new position was not flattering compared to other two-loss teams.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
ESPN moved the Broncos up from No. 9 to No. 5 in the new power rankings released on Tuesday. That marked the highest jump, tied with the San Francisco 49ers (No. 13 to No. 9) and the Miami Dolphins (No. 26 to No. 22).
Advertisement
However, the Broncos remained behind the Los Angeles Rams (8-2), Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), New England Patriots (9-2) and Indianapolis Colts (8-2) in the NFL's top five teams, according to ESPN.
"The Broncos have a title-worthy defense that keeps them in position for Nix's clutch fourth-quarter performances," ESPN's Jeff Legwold wrote.
Given the ceiling that Denver's defense gives them, the offensive production with Payton as playcaller has been relatively underwhelming. They rank 17th in scoring offense (23.1 points per game) and 13th in total offense (335.3 yards per game) in the NFL — one of the main reasons they are still behind some of the other Super Bowl contenders in 2025.
Advertisement
One thing that cannot be questioned after beating the Chiefs is that this Broncos team is on the rise. How high they go remains to be seen.
After the Week 12 bye, the Broncos will try to keep their eight-game win streak alive when they return to action on Sunday, Nov. 30, on the road against the Washington Commanders .
Related: Patrick Mahomes Makes Personal Comments on Travis Kelce After Chiefs' Loss to Broncos
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
