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Broncos at Chiefs: Preview and prediction

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an unfamiliar position on Thursday Night Football against the Denver Broncos; as favorites. Kansas City is widely being picked by the experts to take out Peyton Manning and the Broncos, who have painted as a struggling team despite their 1-0 record.

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Kansas City looked good in Week 1, going on the road and dispatching the Houston Texans, 27-20. The score appears closer than the game was, with the Chiefs winning 27-9 with five minutes remaining. The Chiefs watched as Alex Smith shed his game-manager shackles in the first half, throwing for 193 yards and three touchdowns. However, the offense went into hibernation in the second half, stalling out consistently around Houston’s 40-yard line.

As for Denver, it would have killed to get to the Baltimore Ravens’ 40-yard line. Peyton Manning was 24-of-40 for 175 and a pick-six. His 4.38 yards per attempt is appallingly low for any quarterback, let along a first-ballot Hall of Famer. Manning got no help from his offensive line, which allowed four sacks and a ton of pressure throughout. This will be something to watch on Thursday.

Denver could not block at home, and now go into the world’s loudest outdoor stadium and face the quartet of Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Dontari Poe and Allen Bailey. The Chiefs faced a good offensive line in Houston on Sunday, and racked up five sacks while forcing two turnovers. This week, the defense will have ample crowd noise to help its cause.

Ultimately, this game comes down to a few factors. How well can Denver run the football against Kansas City, and can Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware blow up the Chiefs’ line? Meanwhile, can the Broncos keep Manning relatively clean? Frankly, I see the defenses winning both of these battles. It is a very tight game with two very good teams, but the difference lies in the margins.

The Chiefs have been one the best special teams groups in the league over the last two years, both in coverage and returns. Denver has struggled, something Kansas City will take advantage of. The other Chiefs advantage stands on the sideline. Andy Reid has proven to be a better coach than Gary Kubiak. Reid knows his team much better than Kubiak knows his, so expect the Chiefs to roll out some new plays and unique formations.

Prediction: Kansas City 23, Denver 13

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