A weekly examination of the Broncos’ ESPN.com Power Ranking:

Preseason: 3 | Last Week:: 4 | ESPN.com Power Ranking since 2002

Seven touchdown passes from quarterback Peyton Manning and a 49-27 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions Thursday night were enough to move the Broncos up a spot in the ESPN.com Power Rankings, but it wasn’t enough to get the Broncos past the NFC’s power brokers.

The Broncos moved up from No. 4 to No. 3 this week and are behind San Francisco (No. 1) and Seattle (No. 2). The Broncos faced both teams in the preseason, coming away with a 10-6 win over the 49ers and a 40-10 loss to the Seahawks. Cornerback Champ Bailey, who did not play in the regular-season opener against Baltimore, suffered his left foot injury against the Seahawks.

The Broncos' AFC West brethren are down the list with the Chiefs at No. 20, the Chargers at No. 26 and the Raiders at No. 31.