Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Chris Harris (25) of the Denver Broncos celebrates as Danny Trevathan (59) of the Denver Broncos recovers a fumble in the second quarter. The Denver Broncos played the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on February 7, 2016. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Chris Harris (25) of the Denver Broncos celebrates as Danny Trevathan (59) of the Denver Broncos recovers a fumble in the second quarter. The Denver Broncos played the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on February 7, 2016. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

9. Denver Broncos

After winning the Super Bowl, this might seem a curious spot for the Broncos. Denver is returning most of its pieces, but is without some of its top contributors on a defense that led the way in 2015.

The Broncos still have Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Brandon Marshall, and the No Fly Zone, but the departures of Danny Trevathan and Malik Jackson could seriously weaken the run game. In addition, Denver watched Evan Mathis and Brock Osweiler leave in free agency for more money.

In response, the Broncos are going young with quarterback Trevor Siemian at the helm. Siemian has never taken a meaningful snap from center entering his second season, but was able to beat out veteran Mark Sanchez in preseason. While Paxton Lynch will likely be the starter before the end of the season, Siemian will have a chance to prove he was a steal in the seventh round.

The Broncos are still going to be a very good team with a top-notch defense and a legitimate rushing attack, but to call them the best team in football would be a stretch.

Record prediction: 9-7

Next: No. 8 Pittsburgh Steelers