The Denver Broncos were able to get a win in a game they simply could not afford to lose. After dropping back-to-back games on walk-off field goals, the Broncos welcomed the Cincinnati Bengals to Empower Field and proceeded to beat them by 25 points.
That helped the team even its record at 2-2 on the season, but it didn't do much to impress Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News when he put together his most recent power rankings.
The Broncos had fallen to No. 19 in the rankings after knocking on the door of the top 10 to start the season. Beating the Bengals moved them up just one spot this week, to No. 18.
"The Broncos tried to keep it together before Week 4 with Bo Nix and the defense not playing as well in unison. They made a needed playoff-level statement by stomping the Bengals at home in prime time before going to the Eagles", wrote Iyer.
The Bengals did not have Joe Burrow and look like one of the worst teams in the league without him, so the Broncos were expected to win. But any time you win a game in the NFL by 25 points, you should probably go up more than just one spot in the power rankings.
Here is a list of teams that are 2-2 or 1-3 on the season that Iyer has listed ahead of the Broncos:
Kansas City Chiefs: 2-2 (No. 8)
Baltimore Ravens: 1-3 (No. 13)
Washington Commanders: 2-2 (No. 15)
Minnesota Vikings: 2-2 (No. 16)
Chicago Bears: 2-2 (No. 17)
Beating the Bengals brought the Broncos no respect, but they face the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5, on the road. If they can get a win in that one, they should see a big jump in the rankings next week.
READ: Broncos in 37-game streak in win over Bengals
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