Game plan
When the Broncos run
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak is putting the onus on Devontae Booker and Kapri Bibbs to carry the load down the stretch. Youth can no longer be a crutch for a backfield that has struggled all season and even more so since C.J. Anderson tore his meniscus. The offensive line has to play better, but so do the backs. Kansas City has struggled against the run, giving up 121.7 yards per game.
When the Chiefs run
Spencer Ware is the guy now with Jamaal Charles’ knees having betrayed him. The Chiefs haven’t been as strong on the ground as they normally are (21st in the NFL), but Ware is a big-play weapon and quarterback Alex Smith is also a threat. The Broncos’ run defense has been poor all year and even after a decent showing two weeks ago they still have the NFL’s fourth-worst unit. Edge: Chiefs
When the Broncos pass
Quarterback Trevor Siemian promises to stay aggressive against a Chiefs defense which leads the NFL in interceptions and total turnovers. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will have to be playmakers against an opportunistic defense, particularly with top cornerback Marcus Peters (five interceptions) expected to play. The NFL’s co-sack leader Dee Ford is out, but Justin Houston is getting closer to 100-percent. Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
The core of the Chiefs offense is ball security, safe passes and taking advantage of a defense’s overaggressiveness. Tight end Travis Kelce is Kansas City’s top receiving threat. Denver has slipped to second in pass defense for the first time in a couple of months, but they should get cornerback Aqib Talib and end Derek Wolfe back to boost that unit. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus and Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos have both had solid seasons, having made over 85 percent of their field goal attempts. The Broncos strong coverage units will receive a difficult test when they face dangerous rookie returnman Tyreek Hill, who is averaging 15.8 yards per punt return. Edge: Chiefs
Three keys to a Broncos win
1. Don’t give it away
The Chiefs are tied for the NFL’s best turnover margin (+13) and lead the NFL with 23 takeaways. “They do a good job of stripping the ball,” Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said. “They make you pay.” Denver needs to avoid third-and-long situations where the Chiefs can get to Siemian and bait him into bad throws.
2. Continue third-down success
Denver is coming off its best third down game of the season, having converted 58 percent against the Saints two weeks ago. On the season, they average 38.4 percent. Eliminating three-and-outs is essential for protecting the defense and getting points on the board.
3. Best defense wins
Both teams spoke similar messages this past. They expect a defensive struggle with the better defense winning the game. The Broncos have the numbers and status of a top-tier defense and the Chiefs have been underrated defensively for years. The pass rush may be the difference with Von Miller and the Broncos’ group hoping to get the better of Justin Houston and the Chiefs.
