"The @Broncos D? It currently rules the AFC West," the @NFL tweeted on Tuesday night.
"Ruled*"
The Broncos fired back a couple of hours later with an emoji and a picture of John Elway and Gary Kubiak smiling.
Denver won the Super Bowl last season as its defense held Carolina's vaunted offense to just 10 points.
The Broncos beat the Raiders in Oakland on Oct. 11, 16-10.
The Silver and Black went to Denver on Dec. 13 and upset the Broncos, 15-12.
Denver has won five straight AFC West titles.