Broncos replace Seahawks at top spot
The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos finished last season as the top two teams in the league.
Heading into their Super Bowl rematch Sunday, that’s where they are in the latest AP Pro32 rankings.
The Broncos moved to the top spot after holding off the Kansas City Chiefs 24-17 at home, and the Seahawks dropped to No. 2 after they lost to the Chargers 30-21.
Denver had 10 first-place votes in the 12-member media panel that regularly covers the league. Seattle, which routed Denver in the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium in February, and Cincinnati each got one first-place vote.
Sunday’s rematch is at CenturyLink Field, where the Seahawks have won 18 of their past 19 including the playoffs.
“Even with one loss, the Seahawks will regain the top spot if they beat Denver,” Alex Marvez of Foxsports.com said.
The Bengals moved up a spot to No. 3 after beating the Falcons 24-10.
“I’m very impressed with Cincinnati so far this season,” said ESPN’s Herm Edwards, who gave the Bengals a first-place vote. “That defense looks ready for the playoffs.”
The Bengals host the Titans on Sunday and then have a bye before an Oct. 5 road test in prime time against Tom Brady and the Patriots, who moved to No. 7 in the poll after routing the Vikings.
The Eagles are No. 5 after rallying again in the second half for a 30-27 win over the Colts on Monday night. The Eagles are the first team in NFL history to overcome double-digit halftime deficits in the first two games.
Around the league
The Giants placed CB Walter Thurmond III and WR Jerrel Jernigan on season-ending injured reserve. … Dolphins starting center Mike Pouncey practiced for the first time since undergoing hip surgery back in July. He is leaving it up to the team doctors to determine his status for Sunday’s home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. … The Cardinals have signed LB Victor Butler. Butler played four seasons for the Cowboys, appearing in 63 games, two as a starter. … The Bengals put TE Alex Smith on injured reserve, ending his season. The Bengals signed free-agent TE Kevin Brock to fill Smith’s spot. … Falcons rookie LT Jake Matthews has returned to practice after missing last week’s loss at Cincinnati with a sprained left ankle. … The Jaguars have waived RT Cam Bradfield and placed TE Marcedes Lewis on short-term injured reserve. … A prosecutor says suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon will receive probation and undergo a substance-abuse assessment after pleading guilty to a drunk-driving charge in North Carolina.