Denver is likely ahead of New England in the standings because it currently has a better win–loss record and/or tiebreaker advantages such as head‑to‑head result or conference record.

NFL standings context

In the NFL, teams are ordered in the standings first by overall record (wins, losses, ties). If Denver has more wins or fewer losses than New England, it will appear ahead even if both are in different divisions or conferences. When records are the same, the league applies tiebreakers like head‑to‑head results, division record, and conference record, which can push one team in front of another.

Why Denver is ahead right now

Public standings pages list Denver above New England when Denver’s current record is stronger or when Denver wins the applicable tiebreaker at that moment in the season. This placement can change week to week as new games are played, so any apparent gap reflects the latest completed games rather than preseason expectations or historical reputation.