The Kansas City Chiefs open up Week 6 of the NFL season on Thursday night against the Denver Broncos.
Denver is 1-4 to start their 2023 campaign and is set to play two games against the Chiefs in the next three weeks. There have been reports that players within the organization are bracing for a “teardown” after the Broncos’ slow start to what was supposed to be a bounce-back season, and this game could be a tipping point for the team to that end.
The Chiefs should have no issues winning this game handily, but an injury to pivotal playmaker Travis Kelce looming large over them after their Week 5 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City may have to reevaluate its game plan.
Check out our three keys to a Chiefs win over the Denver in Week 6:
Force Russell Wilson to beat the defense down the field
Russell Wilson’s performance has been better in 2023 than it was last season, but still leaves something to be desired. Though the 34-year-old quarterback has 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions, the film shows that Wilson is a shell of his former self.
The long-tenured quarterback is averaging a measly 7.4 yards per attempt this season, and while that mark is slightly higher than Patrick Mahomes’ in the same category, Wilson is rarely challenging the defense down the field.
Denver’s offense has been heavily reliant on check-downs that rarely produce explosive plays.
It can also be said that most of Wilson’s production this season has come in garbage time, resulting in mostly empty stats that do not tell the full tale of his mediocrity.
In first halves, Wilson ranks in the top four in completion percentage, yards per dropback, and total QBR. However, in the second half of games, Wilson is 25th or worse in these categories.
If the Chiefs’ defense can prevent Wilson from getting into an early rhythm, this game has a chance to get out of hand quickly for the Broncos.
A Chiefs WR needs to make an impact
Travis Kelce is reportedly dealing with a high ankle sprain, so the Chiefs need a receiver or two to step up in the passing game.
Rashee Rice seems to be the most reliable out of the young wideouts, though Marquez Valdes-Scantling is expected to overshadow the 2023 second-round pick.
Mahomes should look to Rice in key situations, especially if Kelce is relegated to the sideline.
Lean on Isiah Pacheco and the run game
Because Kelce is entering this contest at less than 100 percent, it would be in the best interest of the Chiefs to establish a run game.
Denver’s defense ranks last in rushing yards allowed, giving up 187.6 yards per game on the ground through the first five weeks. This should be a game that the Chiefs can control on the ground, and Isiah Pacheco needs to be the focal point of the offensive game plan.
Pacheco is averaging 4.6 yards per attempt through five weeks, and his rushing attempts need to go up, as he is averaging 14.2 attempts per game.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s involvement in the offense has been unusual, and the Chiefs’ coaching staff should return to the Pacheco-Jerick McKinnon tandem that gave them high production last season.
Because the Chiefs’ passing attack has been underwhelming to this point, there is no excuse for Pacheco not to receive 18-20 touches in this game.
