Good morning, #BroncosCountry –
Happy hump day! The Broncos return today to start preparations for Indianapolis this weekend. While you're anxiously awaiting the possibility of 8-0, here are three headlines not to miss, starting with power rankings:
1. Broncos rise in power rankings
A rise in rankings was to be expected after the Broncos found their footing on offense and trounced the Packers on Sunday to stay undefeated.
So where do they rank? I think there's a consensus across the board, as you'll see below.
According to Sports Illustrated's MMQB, the Broncos rank No. 2 in Peter King’s Fine Fifteen:
Making a big jump for this late in the season, from five to two, because I loved the Denver defense so much against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers on Sunday night, and the running game finally got going. This is starting to look like a complete team, one that doesn't have to put all the pressure on Peyton Manning to win.
See the rest of his top-15 rankings here.
NFL.com's Elliot Harrison also ranks the Broncos at No. 2 after jumping three spots due to a key trade on Monday:
Love Vernon Davis. His addition via trade Monday was the sole reason for Denver's leap in the Power Rankings. Or not. Rather, the dominant showing from Wade Phillips' defense vaults this team into the top two. The Broncos authored what many would call a statement win Sunday night.
Check out the rest of the rankings here.
Finally, ESPN pegs the Broncos at No. 2 as well. The team rose up two spots from last week, and the possibility of 8-0 should be sweet for our quarterback:
Peyton Manning is now one win from passing Brett Favre (186 wins) for most all time by a starting QB (Elias). He can break the record in Indy this week.
See where ESPN places the rest of the league here.
2. O'Neil and Manning reunite
WWE RAW star Titus O'Neil returned to the UCHealth Training Center for a work out with DeMarcus Ware and to reunite with a former rival: Peyton Manning.
O'Neil was a defensive lineman for the Florida Gators from 1997-2000, during which time he played Manning when he was the signal caller for the Tennessee Volunteers. O'Neil also points out that during his time at Florida the Gators never lost to the Volunteers:
3. Davis checks out his new digs
Tight end Vernon Davis arrived at the UCHealth Training Center yesterday to explore, get fitted for his helmet and gear, and pick a number (80!).
Here he is at his new locker:
4. In case you missed it …
- Chris Harris Jr. has been looking forward to T.Y. Hilton, Colts rematch
- Andrew Luck is the next high-profile QB to try to solve Broncos defense
- Steve Smith says Champ Bailey is best cornerback he's ever faced
