The Denver Broncos (2-5) are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs (6-1) at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 8. Here’s our game preview for the AFC West showdown.
Chiefs’ keys to victory: KC built a 16-0 lead against Denver two weeks ago, but QB Patrick Mahomes still threw the ball 40 times because the Chiefs were unable to establish a ground game. Kansas City only averaged 3.6 yards per carry against the Broncos in Week 6, a number that needs to improve on Sunday. Without a productive rushing attack, the Chiefs scored only 19 points the last time they faced Denver, their second-lowest point total of the season. Kansas City also needs to improve on third downs after going 4-of-13 at home against the Broncos. The Chiefs were able to overcome their inefficiencies in Week 6 because they won the turnover battle 3-1. Forcing turnovers again this week can help them win on the road.
Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver has a dynamic RB duo in Javonte Williams and rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, but game flow has prevented them from leaning into the ground game when they’re trailing and need to throw to catch up. Williams averaged 5.2 yards per carry the last time the Broncos faced KC, and McLaughlin has averaged more than six yards per carry this season. Denver needs to keep Sunday’s game close so they don’t have to abandon the run game on offense. QB Russell Wilson also has to protect the ball after his two turnovers proved to be costly against the Chiefs two weeks ago.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. Broncos linebackers. Denver’s defense knows all too well the kind of damage Kelce can do after the superstar found blank spaces in the secondary and caught nine passes for 124 yards in Week 6. The Broncos will look to shake it off with a better showing against Kelce after he was untouchable last time.
Who wins? The Chiefs are seeking their 17th straight win against the Broncos, which would extend the NFL’s longest active winning streak against one opponent (the record is 20 straight wins). Despite playing on the road, KC will be expected to keep that streak alive. Chiefs 24, Broncos 20.
