ESPN ranks Broncos as 2nd-worst team in NFL power rankings

Denver Broncos fans are feeling optimistic about the team ahead of the 2024 NFL season, but many national pundits have low expectations for Sean Payton’s squad.

Earlier this summer, USA TODAY projected the Broncos to finish with a 4-13 record. Last week, the Pro Football Network predicted Denver will finish 3-14 and secure the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Now ESPN is piling on.

In their preseason NFL power rankings, ESPN has the Broncos listed at No. 31, just one spot above the last-place Carolina Panthers.

Elsewhere in the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders are ranked No. 27, the Los Angeles Chargers are No. 20 and the Kansas City Chiefs are No. 1. After finishing third in the division with an 8-9 record last fall, ESPN apparently expects Denver to take a big step backward in 2024.

The Seattle Seahawks, who will host the Broncos in Week 1, are ranked No. 22. You can view the complete NFL power rankings on ESPN.com.