Broncos' win streak propels them toward AFC West title contention, but tough schedule looms. See where they land in the latest rankings.
The Denver Broncos got a little closer to an AFC West title with a 24-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14.
The Broncos are now 11-2, the Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Houston Texans to drop to 6-7, but the Los Angeles Chargers survived in a 22-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night to go to 9-4.
At this rate, it is a two-team race for the AFC West crown, and for the first time in what feels like forever, the Chiefs aren't one of the teams.
While a 7-point win against the lowly Raiders isn't the most encouraging for the Broncos, it's still a win, and they still are in the race for the AFC top seed as well.
On Tuesday, Eric Edholm of NFL.com released his updated power rankings, and the Broncos dropped in at No. 3 once again.
Here's what Edholm wrote:
"By sweeping the Raiders, the Broncos secured a key tiebreaker with the Patriots, earning a common-opponents edge between the two teams if they finish with the same record. That gives them pole position for the AFC's No. 1 seed, even if this thing could -- and probably will -- come down to the wire. Bo Nix led a very efficient offensive attack, with Denver scoring its first opening-drive touchdown since Week 2 and not letting up. There wasn't anything mind-blowing about Sunday's performance, but it was what was expected from a strong Denver team against a weak Las Vegas club, with the Raiders' late TD and field goal making this contest look a lot closer than it actually was. The Broncos' final four games are a real test, and don't expect any mercy when they visit Kansas City in a few weeks, even if the Chiefs are officially eliminated from postseason play by then."
The Broncos have won 10 straight ever since back-to-back losses against the Indianapolis Colts and Chargers.
Right now, Denver has won each of the last five games by seven or fewer points and a combined 17 points.
But, they find ways to win. Next up is a tough one against the Green Bay Packers, followed by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chiefs and Chargers, so it will be a difficult stretch to finish out the regular season for Sean Payton's team.