NFL power rankings, Week 16: Broncos fall, Titans surge

8-6. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 17. team. 45. The team’s inability to run the football and stop the opposition from doing the same has been the main reason Gary Kubiak’s club has struggled this year. Entering Week 14, only three teams were allowing more rushing yards per game. In Sunday’s setback to the Patriots, New England’s ground attack rolled up 136 yards by game’s end. Meanwhile, the Broncos could only manage 58 yards on 17 attempts. That means in their last two contests, losses to the Titans and Pats, Kubiak’s squad has totaled 26 carries for 76 yards. Quarterback Trevor Siemian threw for 282 yards but was picked off once and sacked four times. And wide receiver/punt returner Kevin Norwood lost a pair of fumbles in the frustrating defeat. <p>Next Week: The Broncos head to a place where they have won five straight games. Arrowhead Stadium has been very good to Denver as of late, although the real issue is the fact that Andy Reid’s Chiefs already have a 30-27 overtime win over Kubiak’s team and will be looking for the Kansas City’s first sweep of this club since 2002.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Although the reigning Super Bowl champions haven’t been eliminated from playoff contention and an opportunity to defend their Lombardi Trophy, it certainly isn’t looking good. What we do know is that the team’s five-year reign as AFC West champs has officially come to an end. At 8-6 and two games to play, even winning out may not be enough to secure a spot.</p>