AFC Game Of The Week

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos

Chiefs (5-4):

After nine games last season, this was an undefeated football team — by the skin of their teeth. I could go on and on about how they were just getting by and escaping games. This year, they’ve shown flashes of playing complete football, but there have also been times when they’ve looked like the inconsistent team we’ve grown used to seeing over the last few seasons — or they’ve simply struggled to put it all together. I guess what I’m getting at is that they’ve been consistently inconsistent at times, and this is by far the worst record they’ve had in the Patrick Mahomes era. Prior to their bye week, they had their annual showdown with the Buffalo Bills — and they lost again to their AFC East rivals in the regular season. Usually after that game, I tell myself, “Well, we’ll see these two once again when it matters most — in January, come playoff time,” as we’ve seen in four of the last five seasons. This year, I’m not so sure about that, but stranger things have happened. Here’s the crazy part: if the playoffs were to begin today, the Kansas City Chiefs would not qualify. They haven’t missed the postseason since 2014 — and a lot has changed since then. The last time they missed the playoffs, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, Larry Fitzgerald, Cam Newton, and J.J. Watt were all still active players. Still, I’m not counting this group out. They’ve been the class of the AFC for years now, and they can get hot and start a winning streak at any time. This Sunday, they come off the bye for a huge divisional showdown in Denver.

Broncos (8-2):

I needed to see them do it again after last year, when they snuck into the playoffs after missing it for several seasons. After 10 games, they’re off to their best start since 2015 — the year they won the Super Bowl. They kicked off Week 10 last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, and it was another defensive struggle, similar to the one we saw in Green Bay on Monday night between the Eagles and Packers. This isn’t the first time they’ve struggled offensively this year. Anytime I mention the Denver Broncos, I always ask: Which version of Bo Nix will we see today? There are moments when he’s on his A-game and can carry the team when needed — but let’s be blunt: the Broncos have this record because their defense has shouldered much of the load. I also want to give Sean Payton his flowers while he’s still actively coaching. I believe he’s still a top-five coach and not simply a product of a future Hall of Fame quarterback. Give him the right pieces, and he can build a team that wins football games. He hasn’t lost a step, and look where he has this team now — in first place in a division that few, if any, picked them to win. This is a group that has won seven straight games and hasn’t lost since Week 3, when they fell to the Chargers. They’ll look to extend that streak to eight on Sunday when they welcome the Chiefs to town.

Chiefs X-Factor: Nick Bolton

He’s still the engine of the Kansas City defense. Nick is one of the most underrated linebackers in the league — he knows his role and executes it perfectly within this defensive scheme. This Denver offense can be explosive at times, but if Nick reads the quarterback well and fills the gaps effectively, he can help shut down short-yardage plays and those screen passes that keep drives alive. He also has a knack for forcing fumbles and intercepting passes — and one turnover could tilt this game.

Broncos X-Factor: Evan Engram

His role in this offense doesn’t go unnoticed. Evan creates mismatches all over the field. Although he’s listed as a tight end on the depth chart, he functions more like a slot or hybrid receiver — creating challenges for defenses used to covering traditional tight ends. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Evan is a slippery, athletic tight end who can move well to free himself and get open. Against a team like the Chiefs, who focus on shutting down top targets, his versatility could cause major problems.

Final Thoughts:

This is a huge game for both teams — a must-win for the Chiefs, who are currently on the outside looking in of the AFC playoff picture, and a statement opportunity for the Broncos, who are trying to extend their lead atop the AFC West. The Broncos have always played the Chiefs tough since Mahomes became the starter. The Chiefs enter this game off the bye, and Andy Reid has a remarkable 22-4 record after the week off. Keys for the Chiefs: Don’t abandon the running game. This will keep Denver’s defensive front honest and prevent them from teeing off on Mahomes. Run the football to control the clock, play fast but efficiently, and move the ball consistently to keep Denver’s offense off the field. Exploit mismatches in the middle — that’s where you target Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy against linebackers or safeties in coverage. Keys for the Broncos: It always starts with pressuring Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ offense thrives when he has time in the pocket, so Denver’s front seven must generate consistent pressure and force hurried throws. Neutralize Kelce — Mahomes’ go-to guy in the red zone and on short yardage. Use tight bracket coverage and dare Mahomes to beat you elsewhere. Finally, attack with Engram. His versatility is your best weapon — scheme him against linebackers and safeties to create favorable matchups. These divisional games are always tight and physical, and I expect nothing less here.

Prediction:

Chiefs 23, Broncos 20