When the Broncos run
Denver gained 70 yards rushing Sunday against Baltimore with lead back C.J. Anderson plodding through 12 carries for 29 yards. With Anderson battling a toe injury, it’ll be tougher for the Broncos to get their running game going. Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson anchors Kansas City’s defense. He made eight tackles against the Texans. Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman showed burst on the Sunday’s final drive. Edge: Chiefs
WATCH: Denver Broncos Week 2 report
When the Chiefs run
Jamaal Charles is a top-5 running back in the NFL, but his biggest threat may be catching the ball out of the backfield. The Chiefs averaged 3 yards a carry against Houston Sunday, but the Broncos’ defensive front might be better. Denver stuffed Pro Bowl Ravens back Justin Forsett all game and held the Ravens to just 73 yards rushing on a 3.2 yards per carry average. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The Broncos’ offensive line can not catch a break. From Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil last week to Justin Houston and Tamba Hali on Thursday. Peyton Manning completed only two passes to tight ends Sunday and failed to complete a ball more than 18 yards. The tight end and big play have long been trademarks to a well-oiled Manning offense. He was sacked four times Sunday. The Chiefs sacked Texans quarterbacks five times. Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
Alex Smith to tight end Travis Kelce was pure gold Sunday. Kelce caught all six of his targets for 106 yards and two touchdowns. T.J. Ward’s return for Denver should help in containing K.C.’s No. 1 option. Chiefs right tackle Jah Reid, who replaced injured starter Eric Fisher, gave up two sacks Sunday. Denver’s DeMarcus Ware lived in Joe Flacco’s grill, hitting the quarterback five times. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
An intriguing battle will be who is the better Colquitt? Broncos punter Britton Colquitt will reunite with his older brother and Chiefs punter Dustin Colquitt. Britton averaged 51.8 yards per punt Sunday, including two inside-the-20. Chiefs’ punt returner De’Anthony Thomas averaged 16.2 yards per return in Week 1 and is one of the NFL’s most explosive players in the open field. Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos went 2-of-3 on field goal attempts, missing a 51-yarder. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus went 4-of-4, including 56- and 57-yarders. Edge: Broncos
Scouting Report
1. Maximize matchup advantages
If Denver is to spark its passing game against Kansas City, it must take advantage of its playmakers. Receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas will face rookie corner Marcus Peters and second-year corner Phillip Gaines for the majority of the game. There will be big play opportunities. The Texans top two receivers totaled more than 200 yards against the Chiefs. Denver tight end Owen Daniels has to produce more than two catches for 5 yards.
2. Containing Charles
Running back Jamaal Charles is the Chiefs’ all-time rushing leader. His 5.5 yards per carry average is the best by any back in NFL history. The Bronco’s main objective Thursday should be to contain Charles. Broncos linebackers and safeties will be tasked with stopping Charles out of the backfield. The Texans did a solid job keeping him in check Sunday, but he still had 103 total yards and a touchdown. The return of safety T.J. Ward should help.
3. It all starts up front
The Broncos’ offensive line gave up four sacks to the Ravens on Sunday, its most since October 2013 at Indianapolis. Running lanes were nearly nonexistent for running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, who averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Guard Evan Mathis on his performance: “That will be my worst game of the year. I will get better.” Denver needs better from the entire offensive line against a stellar Kansas City front. Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey made two of their five sacks Sunday.
