THE APEX TIMES
NFL.com’s latest power rankings place Broncos at No. 2, indicating major preseason expectations
Denver enters the preseason under a spotlight after NFL.com ranked the Broncos second in its recent power rankings, even with quarterback Bo Nix sitting out a preseason game.
’s most recent power rankings have the Denver Broncos positioned near the top of the league heading into the preseason, placing the team at No. 2. The ranking, published by the league’s own media arm, suggests the Broncos are being viewed as a legitimate contender rather than a team still in the early stages of its rebuild.
The Broncos’ placement matters in part because power rankings are often read as a temperature check on how teams are developing through training camp and how their rosters profile on paper against the rest of the NFL. A near-top-two ranking typically implies multiple contributors are expected to play complementary football, with offense and defense both viewed as functional at a high level.
’s preseason context also includes an immediate wrinkle for Denver. Yahoo Sports reported that the Broncos’ quarterback, Bo Nix, will not play in an upcoming preseason game, even as the team’s broader expectations remain high. That detail adds realism to the ranking, since power evaluations are inherently affected by what starters do or do not show in preseason snaps.
From there, the ranking sets up an early storyline for Denver’s preseason work: how quickly the team’s offense can perform in game situations without its starting quarterback taking reps. Even if the ranking is based on a larger set of team assessments, the preseason is where continuity, tempo, and execution become visible to fans who do not follow every practice session.
The Broncos’ No. 2 spot also sets a standard for public perception as the season approaches. When a team is placed so close to the top of the league, its performance in the opening stretch is likely to be scrutinized more intensely, especially if results do not match the optimism. For Denver, that means every preseason dress rehearsal is an opportunity to convert outside expectations into on-field clarity.
Still, power rankings are not standings, and preseason games do not always predict regular-season outcomes. Denver’s ranking should be viewed as a projection of readiness and ceiling, not a guarantee of results. The No. 2 ranking will be tested once the Broncos face full-game, league-speed conditions with standard starting units and clearer roles.
What to watch next for Denver is how the team manages the preseason reps that do come without its starting quarterback taking the field, and whether the Broncos’ overall execution matches the faith implied by a No. 2 ranking. If the team shows consistent football across units, ’s ranking will look less like preseason hype and more like a reasonable read on what Denver can become.
Why It Matters
- A No. 2 power ranking elevates public expectations for Denver before the regular season begins.
- The preseason becomes more important for Denver because the team’s performance will be measured against a top-of-the-league narrative.
- Bo Nix sitting out at least one preseason game creates a practical test for the Broncos’ depth and execution without its starter.
- Early scrutiny tends to intensify when a team is placed near the top by league media, affecting how preseason results are interpreted.
Key Facts
- recently ranked the Denver Broncos No. 2 in its power rankings.
- The ranking reflects high expectations for Denver heading into the preseason.
- Yahoo Sports reported Bo Nix will not play in an upcoming preseason game.
- The Broncos’ preseason evaluation includes game-week adjustments even with their starting quarterback sidelined for at least one game.
- The Broncos are being treated as a near-top contender based on the power-ranking placement.