***Chiefs @ Broncos Official Game Day Thread***

[TopekaRoy]

[TopekaRoy]

The Kansas City Chiefs (7-3, 3-2 Away)



at

The Denver Donkeys (7-3, 4-1 Home)



Sunday, November 27, 7:30pm CT
at
Sports Authority Field
at
Mile High Stadium
Denver, Colorado



Television coverage:


Radio Coverage:
Kansas City


Lawrence/Topeka:


Manhattan, KS:


St. Louis


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[TopekaRoy]

Weather forecast: 39 degrees, partly cloudy, 7 mph W winds

Line: Broncos -4, Over/Under: 40

Against the Spread:
Chiefs are 4-6 Overall, 2-2 as the Underdog and 3-2 Away
Broncos are 5-4-1 Overall, 4-3-1 as the Favorite and 3-1-1 at Home

Notable Quotables:
Chiefs:

"I think Alex is OK. He’s going to be fine. ... He does a great job with leadership and all of those things. He’ll be fine. We’ve had a couple of weeks here when we’ve been in a little bit of a slump and we’ve got to pull out of it and get better. That’s all of us.”

--Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid

Broncos:

"This is a rivalry game flexed to Sunday Night Football. It’s the biggest game of the year, and I want to go out there and take advantage of it.”

--Broncos Linebacker Von Miller

Injury Report:

Chiefs

Donald Ford	LB	Hamstring	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Jaye Howard	DE	Hip	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Jeremy Maclin	WR	Groin	Did Not Participate In Practice	Out
Derrick Johnson	LB	Achilles	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Steven Nelson	CB	Neck	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Dontari Poe	DT	Back	Did Not Participate In Practice	Questionable
Marcus Peters	CB	Hip	Full Participation in Practice	Questionable
Kendall Reyes	DE	Knee	Limited Participation in Practice	Questionable

Broncos

Casey Kreiter

LS

Calf

Did Not Participate In Practice

Out

[TopekaRoy]

Depth Charts:

Chiefs

OFFENSE
POSITION	STARTER	2nd	3rd	4th
WR	Jeremy Maclin Out	Tyreek Hill	De'Anthony Thomas
TE	Travis Kelce	Demetrius Harris	Ross Travis	James O'Shaughnessy
LT	Eric Fisher	Bryan Witzmann
LG	Zach Fulton	Mike Person
C	Mitch Morse	Zach Fulton
RG	Laurent Duvernay-Tardif	Jah Reid
RT	Mitchell Schwartz	Jah Reid
WR	Chris Conley	Albert Wilson	Demarcus Robinson
QB	Alex Smith	Nick Foles	Tyler Bray
FB	Anthony Sherman	Spencer Ware
RB	Spencer Ware	Charcandrick West Questionable

BASE 3-4 DEFENSE
POSITION	STARTER	2nd	3rd	4th
LDE	Jaye Howard Out	Kendall Reyes Questionable
NT	Dontari Poe Questionable	Rakeem Nunez-Roches
RDE	Chris Jones	Jarvis Jenkins
LOLB	Justin Houston	Dadi Nicolas
LILB	Derrick Johnson Questionable	D.J. Alexander
RILB	Ramik Wilson	Terrance Smith
ROLB	Dee Ford Out	Tamba Hali Questionable	Frank Zombo
CB	Phillip Gaines	Steven Nelson Out	Kenneth Acker
SS	Eric Berry	Daniel Sorensen
FS	Ron Parker	Eric Murray
CB	Marcus Peters Questionable	D.J. White

Broncos

OFFENSE
POSITION	STARTER	2nd	3rd	4th
WR	Demaryius Thomas	Bennie Fowler	Jordan Taylor
TE	Virgil Green	Jeff Heuerman	John Phillips
LT	Russell Okung	Michael Schofield
LG	Max Garcia	Connor McGovern
C	Matt Paradis	James Ferentz
RG	Michael Schofield	Darrion Weems
RT	Donald Stephenson	Ty Sambrailo
WR	Emmanuel Sanders	Cody Latimer	Jordan Norwood
QB	Trevor Siemian	Paxton Lynch	Austin Davis
FB	Andy Janovich
RB	Devontae Booker	Kapri Bibbs	Juwan Thompson

BASE 3-4 DEFENSE
POSITION	STARTER	2nd	3rd	4th
LDE	Derek Wolfe Questionable	Billy Winn
NT	Sylvester Williams	Darius Kilgo	Kyle Peko
RDE	Jared Crick	Adam Gotsis
LOLB	DeMarcus Ware	Shane Ray
LILB	Brandon Marshall	Corey Nelson
RILB	Todd Davis	Zaire Anderson
ROLB	Von Miller	Shaquil Barrett	Dekoda Watson
CB	Aqib Talib	Kayvon Webster
SS	T.J. Ward Questionable	Will Parks
FS	Darian Stewart	Justin Simmons
CB	Chris Harris Jr.	Bradley Roby	Lorenzo Doss

[TopekaRoy]

Stats Leaders:
Chiefs:
Chiefs Stats Leaders 112716.jpg

Broncos:
Broncos Stats Leaders.jpg

Team Stats:
Chiefs-Broncos Team Stats.jpg

Experts' Picks:
Week 12 Picks.jpg

Prisco's Pick:

This is a big game in the division. The Chiefs haven’t played well the past three weeks, and lost to Tampa Bay at home. The Broncos are coming off a bye and should be rested and getting guys back healthy. This will be won by the Denver defense. Broncos 20 - Chiefs 14

[TopekaRoy]

Chiefs vs. Broncos: Game Preview
From Chiefs.com

Posted Nov 26, 2016

Pete Sweeney Chiefs Reporter Chiefs.com Email @pgsween

The Chiefs and Broncos meet in Denver on Sunday Night Football

The AFC West has performed so well this season that three of the four teams would make the playoffs if they started Sunday.

Unfortunately, they don’t.

The Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) instead visit the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos (7-3) on Sunday Night Football, which begins a final six-game stretch for the Chiefs in which they will play division teams four times.

“It’s exciting anytime you have an opportunity to play [the Broncos],” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said this week. “They’re the world champs. They’re there. They’ve been at the top of the AFC West here, so that’s exciting.”

Despite winning the AFC West division five years in a row, the Broncos currently sit in third place behind the Chiefs and the AFC-leading Oakland Raiders.

Because the entire division has played so well this season, Sunday’s game becomes even more critical.

“I don’t think you could make it any bigger or more intense than it already is,” Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said of this week’s game. “The way the division has gone to this point, it’s already pretty tight. This is our first crack at these guys and they’re the defending Super Bowl champions. We’ve been in a lot of battles with these guys over the years and the fact that it got moved to the Sunday Night game, it’ll be under the lights and we understand that. It’ll be fun. I don’t think it could be any more intense than it already is.”

The challenge Smith will face in the Broncos defense Sunday will be significant, as it ranks No. 4 in the league based upon yards allowed per game (318). When it comes to yards passing allowed per game, the Broncos are No. 2.

“They’re really good,” Smith said. “That’s obvious looking at them statistically the last few years. Personnel wise, they’re good across the board. Up front, linebacker level and secondary, these guys are really, really good. They’re well coached and they’re fast. You look at the numbers and they’re there.”

As the Chiefs deal with a number of injuries—defensive lineman Jaye Howard, linebacker Dee Ford and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin won’t play—the Broncos are notably healthy for it being Week 12 of the season.

The only player that’s out for the Broncos is long snapper Casey Kreiter, so they signed former Chief Thomas Gafford to fill the role on Sunday.

Cornerback Aqib Talib, who missed the last three games, and DL Derek Wolfe, who missed the last game, are set to make their returns.

As noted earlier this week, Sunday will mark the first time the Broncos will play with their full first-team defense since Week 2.

With no Maclin, the Chiefs will once again rely on Chris Conley, Albert Wilson and Tyreek Hill in the passing game. Conley has seen increased playing time as Maclin has missed the past three weeks.

Though the Broncos have strong pass defense numbers, their rush defense is ranked No. 29 in the league based upon yards rushing allowed per game (123.7). That means the Chiefs’ combination of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West, who should be good to go after being in the concussion protocol last week, will be imperative to Kansas City’s chances.

Ware is averaging 4.9 yards per attempt this season.

“His mindset is so focused at being humble at the position,” co-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said last week. “He does the little things. He has no problem making that extra block. When he gets the ball on a third and two or three, he has a pretty good sense that he’ll probably get it because he runs so physical with the ball.”

The Travis Kelce-Von Miller matchup remains one to watch as well.

“Me and Travis Kelce have always had our battles during the game,” Miller said in a conference call with the Kansas City media this week. “I think this one is going to be ‘Miller-Kelce 7’. I always enjoy going against him. He’s one of the best tight ends in the National Football League, and he’s going to talk about it as well. That’s always great and it’s always exciting to go up against great players in the National Football League.”

The Broncos offense is led by quarterback Trevor Siemian, who replaced Peyton Manning after he retired at the end of last year. Siemian has thrown for more than 2,000 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

Though it’s a new player at the game’s most important position, Reid explained this week that he doesn’t see a great deal of difference in the Broncos’ offensive scheme from last season with Manning at the helm.

“Gary [Kubiak] kind of does his thing,” Reid said. “There are some things in the gun that Peyton was doing that [Siemian] doesn’t do. Other than that, I’d tell you, it’s pretty close to being the same. Maybe a few more nakeds, and bootlegs and that type of thing.”

Siemian spreads the ball primarily between the wide receiver duo of Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas, who have combined for more than 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. With C.J. Anderson on injured reserve, the Broncos have turned to rookie Devonte Booker at running back.

The Chiefs’ secondary depth could be tested this week, as CB Steve Nelson is out and CB Marcus Peters is questionable to go. (FULL INJURY REPORT).

Reid and the Chiefs will often tell you that they treat every week’s game preparation the same, and that stayed true this week as the team got itself ready for Denver.

But as far as implications on the season, this is the Chiefs’ most important game to date, and the whole nation will be watching.

[TopekaRoy]

Game Preview from ESPN.com

Broncos, Chiefs prepare for prime-time matchup

Ahead of Sunday's pivotal matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Denver Broncos were treated to a vivid image of their championship past and a fresh reminder of what's at stake as they embark on the closing stretch of the season.

On display in the team's locker room this week, for all the players to see, were the three Lombardi trophies the Broncos have won, including the one from last season, when they defeated the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl.

"It's great to see what you're working towards," said Broncos safety T.J. Ward, a member of last season's title team. "It's great to see it in front of you rather than a picture. It's here in the flesh for guys who didn't get a chance to hold it last year. It's just a reminder. I hope it motivates other players. It's just a good thing to have in the locker room."

Head coach Gary Kubiak thought so to, especially with the Broncos gearing up to face the Chiefs, with whom they are tied for second in the AFC West at 7-3, a game behind the division leading Oakland Raiders.

"It's a new year and a new battle," Kubiak said. "I think this team is really excited: the coaches, the organization, everybody. We're there with six weeks to play. We have a lot of big football games to play in. That's why we do what we do. We're all excited. You can feel it around here."

So can the Chiefs, who are in the thick of the chase for a playoff berth as well. The game between the division rivals, originally scheduled in the afternoon, was flexed to a prime-time matchup.

"I don't think you could make it any bigger or more intense than it already is," Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith told reporters. "The way the division has gone to this point, it's already pretty tight.

"This is our first crack at these guys and they're the defending Super Bowl champions. We've been in a lot of battles with these guys over the years and the fact that it got moved to the Sunday night game, it'll be under the lights and we understand that. It'll be fun. I don't think it could be any more intense than it already is."

As it did last season, Denver has leaned on its staunch defense to get the best of opposing teams. But the offense has shown progress in its bid to achieve greater balance in the run and pass games under the direction of quarterback Trevor Siemian, whose seven wins are the second most by a Broncos quarterback in his first nine career starts in team history.

"He hasn't had that much consistency," Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson said. "He's not very tall in the pocket, but somehow he is still making all the throws he needs to make. So hats off to that. You'd think a shorter guy like him -- he's not crazy short, but I think he should have some problems seeing back there, and he's pretty comfortable back there. Hopefully, we can make him uncomfortable. That's our plan."

The Broncos, coming off a bye, have had a chance to heal up going into their first meeting of the season with the Chiefs, who were upset last week by Tampa Bay.

Fullback Andy Janovich had the cast protecting a broken hand removed during the bye week, which should help restore him as a receiving threat as well as aid in his lead blocking for the running game and blitz protection on passing downs.

Defensive end Derek Wolfe returned to practice this week after missing the Broncos' win at New Orleans two weeks ago with an elbow injury, and cornerback Aqib Talib, sidelined since Oct. 24 with a lower back problem, also resumed practicing and is expected to be ready to face the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have their share of injuries to contend with, though Johnson is expected to play despite dealing with some soreness in his Achilles tendon.

Both wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (groin) and outside linebacker Dee Ford (hamstring) have been declared out of the game.

Cornerback Marcus Peters (hip) and linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) also had some limitations in practice in the days leading up to the game.

[TopekaRoy]

Chiefs game plan: Scouting the Denver Broncos (7-3)
From The Kansas City Star

Red Zone The Chiefs and NFL by beat writer Terez Paylor

NOVEMBER 25, 2016 11:03 AM

The Scheme

Coach: Gary Kubiak (80-71) is in his 10th year as an NFL coach, the last two with the Broncos. Kubiak, 55, is an offensive guru who was an NFL quarterback for nine years and knows how to win. He’s been part of four Super Bowl champions, including last season’s Broncos. Prior to his first head coaching stint in Houston, where he went 61-64 in eight seasons, he spent 11 years as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator, where he installed his version of the West Coast offense.

Offense: Rick Dennison, 58, is in his second year as Kubiak’s offensive coordinator in Denver and his ninth overall as an NFL offensive coordinator. The offense isn’t as no-huddle-centric as it was under Peyton Manning. It is now built around the zone running game, with lots of bootleg and play action. The Broncos rank 23rd in passing (227.3 yards per game) and 22nd in rushing (97.4). The Broncos have passed 55 percent of the time and have used shotgun formation on 38 percent of their offensive plays. The have used three-wide 41 percent of the time and two-wide 33 percent of the time as they’ve opted to use a traditional fullback (Andy Janovich) more (30 percent) than most teams. They’ve also used a smattering of versatile tight ends.

Defense: Wade Phillips, 69, is in his second year as Kubiak’s defensive coordinator and his 24th overall as an NFL defensive coordinator. Phillips prefers an upfield, attacking 3-4 defense predicated on pressure and man-to-man coverage. The Broncos’ defense is fast, aggressive and nasty. Denver ranks second in passing defense (194.3 yards per game) and 29th (123.7) in rushing defense. The Broncos rank fifth with 29 sacks and second in turnovers forced (20) behind the Chiefs. Despite their struggles against the run, Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith calls the Broncos elite. “Up front, linebacker level and secondary, these guys are really, really good,” Smith said. “They’re well-coached and they’re fast.”

Special teams: Joe DeCamilis, 51, is in his second year as Kubiak’s special-teams coach and 23rd overall as a NFL special-teams coach. Kicker Brandon McManus has converted 88 percent of his field goals, including a long of 55. McManus has drilled 34 touchbacks, but the Broncos also specialize in short kicks to the corner, which they use to neutralize some return games; they rank second in the NFL in shortest kick-return average (16.9). Punter Riley Dixon has dropped 14 punts inside the 20. The Broncos’ return units statistically rank slightly above average.

Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters intercepted a pass intended for Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders during last season’s game in Denver. David Eulitt deulitt@kcstar.com

Four keys to a Chiefs victory

1. Stay ahead of the sticks

The Broncos have a very strong defense, especially against the pass, but they’re not invincible; teams with good running games can wear them down some. They don’t miss many tackles (53, the fifth-fewest in the league according to Football Outsiders), but they’ve given up the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL and eight runs of 20 yards or more, third-most. Pounding the rock and staying ahead of the sticks will be crucial for the Chiefs to keep the Broncos from pinning their ears back and coming after Smith. “When you look at some of the games we’ve been in, when we’ve gotten behind and people committed to the run, we’ve had a hard time,” Kubiak said. This is not the team to get in third-and-longs against; the pass rush is elite, and the Broncos will even turn to a “NASCAR” package with four edge rushers on the field at the same time, causing havoc. The Chiefs don’t want, or need, any part of a pass defense that ranks fourth in the league in pressure rate at 22.5 percent, according to Football Outsiders. “If you become one-dimensional … that’s something they can break you down with,” Chiefs co-offensive coordinator Brad Childress said.

2. Win 1-on-1 and make some throws

Opposing quarterbacks have posted a league-low 71.0 passer rating against the Broncos, but Smith — who is averaging 5 yards a throw — is going to have to complete some tight-window passes to lead the Chiefs to victory. The Broncos generally play tight man-to-man coverage, and the Chiefs could target the receivers and running backs underneath because inside linebackers Brandon Marshall and Todd Davis have been thrown at in coverage this year. But the Broncos also mix in some “lurk” guys in coverage, which means the short stuff won’t always be open via typical man-beaters. That means Smith’s outside receivers will have to win some 1-on-1 battles, and he will have to give them a chance to make plays downfield. Also, the upfield nature of the Broncos’ defense could create some lanes for Smith to run through, if he dares. He needs to take advantage of whatever the defense gives him, but he had better get down quickly at the first sight of any trouble, because the Broncos will be hunting — especially after Smith’s head trauma against Indianapolis a month ago.

3. Understand your run fits and wrap up

Nose tackle Dontari Poe has been limited this week because of a back injury, but if he does play, he will need to have a big game. The Broncos do most of their damage running behind their ascending center, Matt Paradis, who creates running lanes. If Poe can dominate Paradis, it will take away one of the Broncos’ biggest weapons — the inside running game — and allow the Chiefs to attack the right side of the line, where the Broncos run far more than the left. If the Chiefs can shut that down, be disciplined on the back side of zone plays and tackle effectively — Denver has forced the sixth-fewest missed tackles in football, according to Football Outsiders — the rest should take care of itself. “The run fakes and the play-actions and the boots are all well-orchestrated,” defensive coordinator Bob Sutton said. The Broncos’ offensive line is a little vulnerable to pressure; although they’re 13th in pressures allowed, they do lose some 1-on-1 battles and can also be beaten on stunts. They’ve surrendered 26 sacks, the fifth-most in the league. Quarterback Trevor Siemian is a rhythm thrower who wants to throw short-to-intermediate and can be disturbed by pressure. The Broncos have produced the second-fewest completions of 20 yards or more (23) in football, but if Denver’s running game gets going, those play-action fakes (18 percent of their plays) become more effective, and Siemian’s throwing windows on short passes will only get wider, which could spell trouble for the Chiefs.

4. Play with attitude, but keep your cool

Look, the Broncos are pirates on defense — I don’t know any other way to put it. They’re going to fly to the ball, they’re going to knock the heck out of you, and they’re going to celebrate and let you know about it afterward. This is NOT the defense to try to dig out of an early hole against. If they know you have to throw the ball, Phillips will start teeing off with blitzes, Von Miller and Co. will start swaggering around (even more than normal) and someone could get hurt. So the Chiefs had better match the Broncos’ intensity from the get-go; they need to play with some nastiness, finish blocks, deliver some big blows, do some talking, etc. Let these guys know you’re here to play. But don’t get baited into any stupid penalties; this could be a low-scoring affair, and every yard will count.

Four Broncos to watch

No. 88, WR Demaryius Thomas, 28 years old, 6-3, 229, seventh season

Ranked No. 62 on the NFL’s Top 100 list for 2016. Has posted at least 90 receptions and 1,300 yards the last four seasons, joining Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison. Is on pace to catch 88 passes for 1,085 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Tremendous combination of size and speed (4.38-second 40-yard dash at 2010 combine). Can compete for the ball in the air and win 50-50 matchups, especially on downfield throws. Good, powerful athlete who is tough to bring down after the catch. “He’s got great skill down the field,” Sutton said. Willing blocker who gives good effort. Has battled the drops this year with seven, tied for the second-most in the league.

No. 58, SLB Von Miller, 27 years old, 6-3, 250, sixth season

Ranked No. 15 on the NFL’s Top 100 list for 2016. Reigning Super Bowl MVP who racked up 11 sacks and 32 pressures a year ago and is on pace to finish with 16 sacks and 27 pressures in 2016. Boasts outstanding speed, quickness and burst around the edge, which he pairs with an excellent pass-rush motor and a variety of moves. Has a spin move and inside counters to his devastating speed rush. Plays with power and closes on quarterbacks very quickly. Primarily rushes against the right tackle but lines up everywhere, including the left side and over the guards. Is difficult to stop once he gets rolling. Solid run defender who sets the edge. “He can be a game-wrecker,” Childress said.

No. 21, LCB Aqib Talib, 30 years old, 6-1, 205, ninth season

Ranked No. 34 on the NFL’s Top 100 list for 2016. Has recorded 20 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups this season. Aggressive, competitive, ****y corner who helps set the tone for one of the league’s nastiest defenses. Can jump underneath routes. Is big enough to be physical with big receivers but fast enough to cover smaller receivers and recover on deep balls. Has good ball skills and can play the ball in the air. Loves to play bump-and-run. Physical, willing run defender who is always looking to deliver a blow. Has missed the Broncos’ last three games because of a lower back injury but has practiced this week and could be ready to go. “It just makes my job a lot easier just being able to have a guy out there that knows what’s going on,” fellow corner and former KU teammate Chris Harris Jr. said. “The communication is always on point. I don’t really have to talk to everybody all game.”

No. 25, RCB Chris Harris, Jr., 27 years old, 5-10, 199, fifth season

Ranked No. 52 on the NFL’s Top 100 list for 2016. Has recorded 46 tackles, an interception and eight pass breakups this season. Went 35 games without surrendering a touchdown (2013 to 2015). Occasionally slides to the slot in nickel situations. “He’s every bit as effective in there as he is on the outside,” Childress said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see him track one of our better receivers around the field.” Agile, fluid corner with good cover skills who pairs with Talib to give the Broncos one of the league’s best duos at corner. Competitive, ****y corner who plays with energy and thrives on big plays. Has deep speed and can run with almost anybody. Is also not afraid to compete with the ball in the air against big receivers.

Bonus notes on the Broncos

▪ Siemian is a decent athlete who can move in the pocket some but doesn’t force a ton of missed tackles (four all year). He also had a shoulder issue and has not been as mobile in recent games. Is not a consistent deep ball thrower but is not afraid to air it out some. Can make some throws outside the numbers, both short and intermediate, and flashes the ability to throw with heat and touch at those distances. “I think he can do what they’re asking him to do every well,” Sutton said. “Appears to me to be a really sharp guy on the field, appears to make really good decisions for a guy who hasn’t played much before this year.” Still, he also stares down his intended receiver on occasion and will force the ball into some tight spots.

▪ Booker is a nice fit in this offense; he’s nifty and quick with good one-cut burst but has not really gotten it going this year, as the Broncos only averaged 84 rushing yards in games three through nine. Still, the Chiefs remain wary. “Booker has come on as a back,” Sutton said. “He’s got some stuff to him.”

▪ Sanders isn’t as big as Thomas, but he’s just as outstanding and is a true deep-ball threat. He’s also elusive after the catch. “The two receivers on the outside are the real deal,” Sutton said.

▪ The Broncos need more consistency at right tackle; Kubiak said former Chief Donald Stephenson and second-year pro Ty Sambrailo will both play, with the one who does best earning the right to stay in the game. “We’ve made it a very competitive environment between the two of them,” Kubiak said. “They’re both going to play.”

▪ Ray, a Kansas City native and Bishop Miege product, could be the Broncos’ most improved player. “Shane’s kind of added a little bit to his arsenal as far as the speed rush, his ability to spin and come inside and set an edge in the run game,” Childress said.

▪ Roby is a talented player, but he has been targeted plenty this year. That makes sense, because Talib and Harris are worthy of general avoidance. He surrendered at least two big plays two weeks ago against New Orleans.

▪ Stewart has a knack for running under tipped balls. He had two picks last week. Corners believe in tight man-to-man coverage.

▪ Ward is a physical player who, along with Harris Jr. and others, could be tasked with covering tight end Travis Kelce. But the Chiefs are well aware of his tendency to hit you. “He’s a big thumper,” Childress said.

▪ Broncos have struggled early in games, as they’ve been outscored 36-10 in the first quarter of their previous six games. Their win over the Saints on Nov. 13 was first time they led after the first quarter in 10 games.

Prediction: Broncos 20-16

This one will be in prime time, so expect a hard-hitting, nasty, emotional game. But the Broncos are coming off a bye, so they’ll be rested and fresh against a banged up-but-motivated Chiefs team. That, plus the Broncos’ desire to avenge a 29-13 home loss to Kansas City that was way worse than the final score indicated, should be enough to give them the edge. But if the Chiefs’ offense can run the ball and stop the run — two things that are certainly in play — don’t rule out a fan base-calming road win. It’s just hard to predict that when the offense looked like it has the last several weeks.

[rodu]

Smith and friends need a big day to bail out the D who is looking more and more like a pre season roster thanks to injuries. But I think we're going to get more and more screen passes, we know it, the Broncos know it, everyone knows it

[TopekaRoy]

I hope we see a lot of ground and pound. Statistically, these teams are almost identical offensively and defensively (see post #5) with two exceptions: The Donks are much better defending the pass and that leads to them being better at stopping 3rd down conversions. The solution is for our offense to stay on the field and get into easily-convertible 3rd-and-short downs. With all our defensive injuries we will need long sustained drives to give them plenty of rest. Denver is vulnerable to the rush if we vary when we use it and where (on the field) we run the ball.

Few gave us a chance against the now 8-2 Raiders and we destroyed them. The Donks are very beatable this year. Chiefs just have to execute.