Broncos Offensive Line Earns Top Five Ranking Ahead of Chiefs Showdown

The Denver Broncos have received another encouraging assessment of their offensive line ahead of Sunday's AFC West showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Denver ranks fifth in Pro Football Focus' updated NFL offensive line rankings, released Wednesday following Week 7.

The Broncos maintained their position from the previous week, remaining among the league's top five units despite some inconsistency elsewhere on offense.

According to PFF analyst Gordon McGuinness, three of Denver's five starting offensive linemen have earned overall grades of at least 70.0 through seven weeks.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey has also performed well in pass protection, earning a 72.8 pass-blocking grade.

That leaves left guard Ben Powers as the unit's primary weakness, according to PFF.

Denver's starting offensive line features Garett Bolles at left tackle, Powers at left guard, Luke Wattenberg at center, Quinn Meinerz at right guard and McGlinchey at right tackle.

The ranking is particularly notable considering the Broncos have faced questions about their offensive consistency this season.

Denver nevertheless showed signs of progress in Sunday's 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, improving to 5-2.

The Broncos' strong offensive-line evaluation also provides an interesting contrast with their next opponent.

Kansas City ranks 21st in PFF's latest rankings, dropping two spots after Sunday's 20-3 loss to Seattle.

The Chiefs did not have a single offensive lineman earn a PFF grade above 60.0 against the Seahawks.

Kansas City is also dealing with a significant injury situation along its offensive line, with left tackle Josh Simmons placed on injured reserve because of a back injury.

PFF noted that Simmons must miss at least three more games and could potentially remain sidelined for the rest of the season.

Denver's offensive line has remained comparatively stable, giving quarterback Bo Nix a strong foundation as the Broncos prepare for another important divisional matchup.

The unit's performance could also become increasingly important as Denver evaluates potential roster improvements before the November 10 trade deadline.

The Broncos were recently linked to Indianapolis Colts All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, although Nelson has since been traded to Seattle.

With the Chiefs coming to Denver on Sunday, the Broncos will have an opportunity to demonstrate why PFF continues to rate their offensive line among the NFL's best.