20. New England Patriots (+1)
That was a fun game from the Patriots and it was great to see them win a game against a quality AFC team. The only reason why they aren’t moving up higher is that I just don’t trust Cam Newton as a quarterback and I don’t think the Patriots do either.
New England is winning with defense and special teams along with the occasional trick play from the offense, and while I don’t think that is going to get them a ring, it is buying them time to be relevant.
Let’s see if they can make winning a habit, but if not then know it is probably because of the limitations on their offense and not a coaching problem.
19. Denver Broncos (-1)
Sometimes I am too harsh in my power rankings, but this is a case where I am being extremely kind.
I like the Broncos and I think they are a QB away from being a good team. With great weapons on offense and a defense that will be fun when they get healthy, the Broncos just can’t catch a break this season. First, Von Miller gets hurt and now they realize that Drew Lock is actually terrible? That is tough.
Still, they are a few bad weeks away from being in a prime position to draft a new QB if they want to (as long as some bad teams do well), and maybe they will stumble into a great team.