Following a 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, the Denver Broncos are now ranked No. 22 in Nate Davis’ latest NFL power rankings for USA TODAY Sports. That’s down six spots from their No. 16 ranking last week.
Here is Davis’ commentary on Denver this week:
Believe it or not, they’re still in the mix for the AFC West crown. Credit a … well, credit a sleepwalking K.C. squad that just can’t put this division to bed.
Elsewhere in the AFC West, the Kansas Chiefs (9-6) are ranked No. 6, the Los Angeles Chargers (5-10) are ranked No. 30 and the Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) are ranked No. 21. The Broncos will host the Chargers in Week 17.
As Davis noted, Denver could win the AFC West if the Broncos win out and the Chiefs lose out. It’s not likely, but it’s possible.
The Carolina Panthers (2-13) are ranked No. 32 (last) and the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) are ranked No. 1. To view the complete NFL power rankings going into Week 17, visit USATODAY.com.