ESPN
Current ranking: 22
Last week: 23
Thankful for: Their rookie class. The Broncos' Class of '18 could serve as a benchmark moving forward and one of the most productive players in it -- running back Phillip Lindsay -- wasn't even drafted. But Lindsay, Bradley Chubb, Courtland Sutton, Royce Freeman and Josey Jewell have all started games this season. After the 2017 draft class had limited impact, the Broncos needed more from this year's incoming rookies and they have certainly delivered. Lindsay is in the running for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award while Chubb is already on the short list to be considered for the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL.com
Current ranking: 18
Last week: 20
The Broncos, often victims of playing just well enough to get beat, finally closed out a game Sunday.After going down 19-7 in the third quarter, Case Keenum led a fourth-quarter comeback for the third time this season (out of only four Denver victories), making a few on-point throws when theBroncos had to have them. The strike to Courtland Sutton to maneuver his team into Brandon McManus' range was perfect; Keenum hit his rookie wideout in stride in front of the coverage. Denver's numbers, however, were far from striking. The Broncos were outgained 479-325. They held the ball a paltry 22:11. Most important figures: 8 of 12, 146 yards and 12.2 yards per attempt. That was Keenum's fourth-quarter line.
USA Today
Current ranking: 21
Last week: 27
They're under radar like a Special Operations Black Hawk. They're also one game out of playoffs, giving good teams all they can handle.
Bleacher Report
Current ranking: 19
Last week: 23
It was a win that featured some of Denver's youth on offense. Tailback Phillip Lindsay had another big game, topping 100 total yards and scoring twice. Rookie wideout Courtland Sutton piled up 78 yards and had a big catch on the final drive.
Mark Maske, Washington Post
Current ranking: 20
Last week: 25
Just when you give up on the Broncos, they go and do something like beat the Chargers.
Pro Football Talk
Current ranking: 19
Last week: 25
Losing record notwithstanding, the Broncos are showing much more fight than they did a year ago.
Sporting News
Current ranking: 23
Last week: 26
The Broncos are playing like they're trying to keep Vance Joseph around, and that relentless performance against the Chargers will help. Denver, though, is still a long way from actual wild-card contention.
