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NFL Power Rankings, Week 10: Ravens upend Patriots, Browns implode completely

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a first quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a first quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots at M&T Bank Stadium on November 3, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos signals to the sidelines for a play during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: Brandon Allen #2 of the Denver Broncos signals to the sidelines for a play during the second half of a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

24. Denver Broncos (27)

It’s a little ironic that Joe Flacco was knocked out of the lineup with a neck injury just days after criticizing the coaching staff for the Denver Broncos — but that’s what happened. He clearly is going to be gone after the season as they’ll likely turn to Drew Lock as the future under center.

That hasn’t happened yet as Lock is still out injured as well, which meant they had to turn to an unknown player in Brandon Allen. A former sixth-round pick out of Arkansas in 2016, Allen hadn’t played a regular season snap before getting his start on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

On paper, this looked like a game the Broncos should have lost — especially with Allen under center. Making it even more lopsided is the fact that they just traded away  receiver Emmanuel Sanders and defensive end Bradley Chubb is also on IR. But, the games aren’t played on paper.

Denver came out in this one ready to put their rough start to the season in the rearview mirror and Allen made just enough throws to get the job done. He completed 12-of-20 passed for 193 yards with two touchdowns and got a lot of help from Phillip Lindsay who added 92 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries.

They’ll look to keep the momentum going next week with a tough matchup on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. With Minnesota not in a free fall like Cleveland is, this could be a more humbling experience for the young quarterback.

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