NFL power rankings, Week 14: Steelers rise, Falcons fall
By Staff
![Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/03476b43bec94de8410d078a95ae72cc35408cf04566fe38bdefdba5a6d5fe74.jpg)
team. 45. It was far from a thing of beauty but it was reminiscent of last season’s team. The Broncos, under the guidance of rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch, gained only 206 total yards and were only 1-of-13 on third-down conversion attempts. But Denver did not turn over the football while forcing Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles into three turnovers. Gary Kubiak’s club totaled 104 yards rushing while Lynch threw for 104 yards without a touchdown. Meanwhile, interceptions by Bradley Roby and Chris Harris Jr. added up to 87 yards. And it was the former who took back one of those thefts 51 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. <p>Next Week: The defending Super Bowl champions remain on the road and within the AFC South as they travel to Nashville to clash with the much-improved Tennessee Titans. Mike Mularkey’s team had the week off but still managed to gain ground on the slumping Houston Texans. The teams are now tied for the division lead with 6-6 marks. The Denver defense will have to deal with the explosive combination of Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: At 8-4, the Broncos would be by themselves in first place in both the AFC North and AFC South. They would trail the New England Patriots by just two games in the AFC East. But these days, that mark is only good enough for third place in the wild AFC West. But there are still opportunities for this club to win a division title.</p>. 8-4. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 7