2012 NFL Power Rankings: Broncos Fall From Top 10

After a Week 1 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Peyton Manning-led Broncos launched up everybody's power rankings and were instantly in the conversation as one of the AFC's top contenders. A Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons slowed that talk and in SB Nation's latest power rankings from Joel Thorman, the Broncos saw a fall out of the top 10:

11. Denver Broncos (LW: 7, 1-1): So Peyton Manning isn't back? The Broncos' quarterback threw three first quarter interceptions on Monday night, putting his team in a hole only a few minutes into the game. He'll be fine, but this is a good reminder that he's a 36-year old quarterback who had played one regular season game in 600+ days before Monday night. These games will happen.

After a 27-21 loss on the road to the Falcons, the Broncos face an even tougher task in Week 3 when they'll host the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field. After two consecutive 20 point victories, albeit against the Dolphins and Jaguars, the Texans snagged Thorman's No. 2 spot in the power rankings behind only the San Francisco 49ers.

The Broncos also fell in the ESPN power rankings, although not as far as in Thorman's, with a one spot tumble from No. 9 to No. 10:

It could take a while, but Denver still has an opportunity to be very good, despite its turnover-filled debacle against Atlanta. (Fox)

For more on the Broncos be sure to take a look at Mile High Report and stay tuned to SB Nation Denver.