NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Sean Payton has finally turned surprising Broncos into an AFC contender

Sigh. The haters, of which there were many outside of the Colorado Front Range metropolitan area, were incorrect. 

Sean Payton always knew exactly what he was doing with his Denver Broncos rebuild. And less than two years into his time in Denver, the Broncos are the formidable powerhouse the future Hall of Fame coach promised when he took the job. 

All of a sudden, an uber-efficient, playmaking Bo Nix is neck and neck with Jayden Daniels for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Courtland Sutton looks like a No. 1 receiver again. At the same time, Denver’s shutdown defense — led by Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto — is decimating every offense it faces. And guess what, folks? If not for a blocked field goal in Kansas City, the Broncos would have won five of their last six games. Phew.

It’s not too early to anoint potential playoff dark horses. With the way Denver’s season has gone, it’s probably one of the last teams any of the AFC heavyweights want to potentially see in the playoffs. And it’s all thanks to Payton, who knew what he was doing the entire time. Honestly? Kudos to him.

Naturally, the Broncos are a huge component of For The Win’s NFL Power Rankings in Week 13. Let’s see where they and the rest of the league stand as we head into Thanksgiving week.