Colorado Power Rankings: Colorado Rockies Move Up During Offseason

The Colorado sports scene has certainly seen far better weeks than this past one. We've witnessed another Denver Broncos debacle, Carmelo Anthony miss a game-winning shot and the Avalanche skate on the ice lifeless. Hopefully the week ahead turns out some very pleasing results.

8. Denver Broncos

Last week's CPR: t8
Fan Confidence Score: 37

Has it gotten that bad that we can legitimately say the Broncos are the worst sports team in Colorado right now? With the team on a bye this week, one can only hope it doesn't get any worse. The Broncos better bide their time well and come out refreshed against the Kansas City Chiefs at home.

7. Colorado Buffaloes

Last Week's CPR: t8
Fan Confidence Score: 20

Good news, everyone! Fans can start thinking about the Buffs' 2011 season schedule in the Pac-12. The Buffs will host the USC Trojans and the potential BCS champion Oregon Ducks. There are still games left to play in 2010, but 2011 is looking all the better.

The Buffs are in Lawrence, Kan., this weekend for a contest against the Kansas Jayhawks.

6. Colorado State Rams

Last Week's CPR: t8

A football team that won a game! That's right. CSU downed the New Mexico Lobos, 38-14. The Rams picked up their third win, and the Lobos fell to 0-8. Still ways to go for the Rams.

The Rams travel to San Diego this weekend to play the San Diego State Aztecs.

5. Air Force

Last Week's CPR: 4

Air Force almost pulled off the upset against the Utah Utes, but ultimately lost its third straight game. While the Falcons are 5-4 on the season, they have played a tough schedule with games against Oklahoma, TCU and Utah--all teams ranked highly in the Top 25 polls and the BCS standings. Oh, and San Diego State is lurking outside the Top 25.

Air Force takes on Army this weekend for the Commander-In-Chief Trophy.

4. Colorado Rockies

Last Week's CPR: 5
Fan Confidence Score: 72

Rockies fans certainly feel better about their team after seeing a precipitous drop at the end of September. To no surprise, the team declined the options on Jeff Francis and Octavio Dotel, but the big news occurred with Miguel Olivo. Instead of declining his option and paying a $500,000 buyout, Olivo was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later. The Jays then declined the option and will receive a draft choice should the Type-B free agent sign with another team.

It still looks as though Jorge De La Rosa is seeking a deal the Rockies will be unable to offer. However, with Ubaldo Jimenez, Jhoulys Chacin and Jason Hammel in the rotation the Rockies are still on solid ground. The team will need the most out of them if they hope to compete with the World Series champions, the San Francisco Giants.

3. Colorado Avalanche

Last Week's CPR: 3
Fan Confidence Score: 75

Craig Anderson has yet to practice since injuring his knee, which has kept Peter Budaj in net for an extended stay. I doubt many fans expected this to be the way Budaj would get his playing time this season. Budaj has been okay so far, but the Avalanche's two-game win streak came to an end last night. Here's how Adrian Dater described the Avalanche last night:

2. Denver Nuggets

Last Week's CPR: 2
Fan Confidence Score: 70

Since last week's rankings, the Nuggets went 1-2 with a victory over the Houston Rockets last Saturday. Carmelo Anthony missed the game-winning shot to beat the Mavericks on Wednesday night. What's up with that? Will Gary Forbes' recent performance cut unto J.R. Smith's playing time?

The Nuggets host the Los Angeles Clippers tonight and head to Dallas for a Saturday night against the Mavericks.

1. Colorado Rapids

Last Week's CPR: 1
Fan Confidence Score: 93

The Rapids continue their series against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, and a win or a draw will give the Rapids home field advantage through the semi-finals. Has there been a more exciting time to follow the Rapids?