ESPN
Last week: 28
Since 1980, only six teams have made the playoffs after starting the season 0-3, the record the Broncos were sitting on until they beat the equally struggling Jets on Thursday night. The schedule doesn't do them any favors, with a contest at New England on Sunday, two tilts against the Chiefs and a game apiece versus the Bills and Saints.
Dan Hanzus, NFL.com
Last week: 29
Vic Fangio's defense was more aggressive on Thursday night, and it paid off against the Jets. Denver entered Week 4 with one of the lowest blitz rates in the league, but Fangio repeatedly sent extra rushers at Sam Darnold, leading to six sacks and 10 QB hits in a 37-28 win at MetLife Stadium. Will the Broncos deploy a similar approach going forward?
Nate Davis, USA Today
Last week: 30
More impressive? OLB Bradley Chubb's 2½ sacks last Thursday, or Brett Rypien's prowess as a blocking QB (an underappreciated skill set)?
Bleacher Report
Last week: 30
[T]hanks to a career day from young wide receiver Tim Patrick (6/113/1) and 118 total yards and two touchdowns from running back Melvin Gordon III, the Broncos tasted victory for the first time this season.
Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports
Last week: 30
Beating the Jets isn't a reason for celebration. But it's better than losing to them. If the Broncos can somehow win at New England next, the schedule gets a little lighter for a while. Maybe they can still get back in the race.
Sports Illustrated
Last week: 30
Not the best spot to have to go into Foxborough in—with the Patriots coming off a loss.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Last week: 28
They found a way to win a game on the road, which is the good news. The bad news is they didn't look good doing so.
Mark Maske, Washington Post
Last week: 25
Second-year QB Brett Rypien's performance Thursday night was wildly uneven but it produced a victory over the Jets. It was only the Jets, sure, but the victories have been tough to come by for the Broncos during Vic Fangio's coaching tenure.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
Last week: 30
The Broncos found some offensive life without Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton, but the defense is a frustrating shell of what it could be for Vic Fangio.
