Power Rankings: No. 2 Broncos can beat Colts

Updated Nov. 29

The Denver Broncos are for real.

After seeing them play last Thursday against Dallas, I came away with this thought: They could make a legitimate push for the Super Bowl.

Standout linebacker Al Wilson and the Broncos are making some noise. (Getty Images)

Yes, that means possibly beating the Colts in Indianapolis. Folks, the Broncos are good.

"That would be poetic justice," said one Broncos player of a possible playoff matchup with the Colts. "After what they've done to us the past two years, we could get them in the AFC Championship Game at their place. If we did that, the other losses would be erased. And they wouldn't be too happy about it. This one would be to go to the Super Bowl."

That's getting a little ahead of things, but the Broncos have all the tools to compete. They can run the ball, they have a quarterback who is pretty much playing mistake-free football, and the defense is an aggressive, attacking unit that doesn't back down.

Isn't that what you need to beat the Colts?

The Broncos have a tough game this week at Kansas City, but their schedule is much easier than those of the Chargers and Chiefs, which would likely make them the division champion and second seed in the conference. Then, it's one playoff victory and a would-be trip to Indy for the AFC title.

Sure, it's a long way off, but who wants to look back when the Raiders were our Super Bowl pick before the season started.

Denver stays in the second spot in the CBS SportsLine.com Power Rankings, one back of the top-ranked Colts, who have undefeated season written all over them. Those two appear headed to a January showdown for a trip to the Super Bowl.

There is no denying right now they are the two best teams in the league.

Seattle is the best team in the NFC and it appears the NFC playoffs will go through the Great Northwest. But they aren't in the same class with the Colts and Broncos -- we don't think.

We still have a month left for teams to fade and emerge, but the Colts, Broncos and Seahawks have made their statements.

We expected it from the Colts. Many thought the Seahawks would be this good, but the Broncos are exceeding expectations. Give Mike Shanahan credit. It appears he's ready to win a playoff game without John Elway.

The Power Rankings after Week 12:

RANK	TEAM		MOVE (LW)