Broncos Replace 49ers As Top Team In NFL Power Rankings
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos dismantled the defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens in the season opener. Then they delivered a convincing victory on the road against Manning's younger brother and the rest of the New York Giants.
The strong start helped the Broncos hold off the Seattle Seahawks for the top spot in this week's NFL Power Rankings, released Tuesday. The Broncos moved up one spot from second.
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After their commanding win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night, the Seahawks swooped in to settle at No. 2. The 49ers fell two spots to third.
Seattle, which was third last week, settled the debate until the rematch in December about which bitter NFC West division rival is better by beating the 49ers 29-3.
The Seahawks managed that even with a rough game by quarterback Russell Wilson, further highlighting their aggressive, punishing defense that's still missing cornerback Brandon Browner and defensive ends Chris Clemons and Bruce Irvin because of injuries.
Green Bay and Houston rounded out the top five. Chicago, New England and New Orleans held spots six through eight. Atlanta finished ninth, followed by Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Baltimore. Kansas City jumped three spots to 13th, and Miami made a leap leap of six spots to 14th. The Dolphins were the lowest ranked of the eight unbeaten teams.
Dallas, Detroit, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Arizona and San Diego filled out slots 15 through 20. The Chargers made the biggest jump, advancing nine spots from 29th after a 33-30 victory on the road over the Eagles.
The bottom third comprised Buffalo, Tennessee, Washington, NY Giants, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, NY Jets, Carolina, and Tampa Bay at 30th. Then came Cleveland, one of eight teams without a win. Finally, for the second straight week, Jacksonville was a clear choice for last place. The Jaguars have scoredonly 11 points over two games.
The next NFL Power Rankings will be released on Sept. 24.
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