NFL Power Rankings: Broncos Earn Top 10 Recognition

On Sunday night, Peyton Manning confirmed what the rest of the AFC West feared -- he's still Peyton Manning. In a 31-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Manning led the Broncos to victory with 19-of-26 passing for 253 yards and two touchdowns. The impressive showing captured the league's attention and was the cause of a jump in many power rankings for the Broncos.

Among those that boosted the Broncos up was SB Nation's Joel Thorman in his weekly power rankings:

7. Denver Broncos (LW: 11, 1-0): So Peyton Manning looks like the old Peyton Manning. As a Chiefs fan, I am very concerned by this. Denver looked legit on Sunday night against a top AFC team in Pittsburgh.

Also convinced that Manning looked like his old self was CBS Sports' Pete Prisco, who similarly gave the Broncos a top 10 ranking with the No. 9 spot:

Peyton Manning is the same Peyton Manning. This is a good team. Now comes a tough test: at Atlanta.

Check out Mile High Report for more Broncos coverage, and be sure to visit SB Nation's NFL hub for more news and notes from around the league heading into Week 2.

2012 NFL Power Rankings: Broncos Could Crack Top 10

The Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers during Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season. That win combined with losses by higher-ranked teams should move the Broncos up several spots into the top 10.