After matching up just two weeks ago, the Chiefs and Broncos will wrap up their season series this week in Denver.
Kansas City has won its last six games and owns the best record in the AFC. The Chiefs are playing at an elite level across the board, ranking in the top five of the NFL in offense, defense, and special teams. Now they’ll aim to get their third win inside the division and 17th in a row over Denver.
The Broncos picked up their second win of the season last week over the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately for Denver, it is still tied for the worst record in the AFC at 2-5. The Broncos will attempt to string together two wins in a row for the first time since September of last year and go into their bye week with some momentum.
Check out our gameplan preview from when these two teams met back in Week 6. There you’ll find more specifics about the Broncos’ offensive and defensive schematics. Now, let’s dive into their Week 8 matchup.
Chiefs' defense vs. Broncos' offense
K.C.’s defense dominated the Bronco offense in Week 6, holding them scoreless until late in the fourth quarter and to just eight points overall. Quarterback Russell Wilson didn’t crack 100 yards passing and Denver’s offense was held under 200 total yards. Wilson was under duress all game long, taking four sacks and throwing two interceptions.
We know by now that the key to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is getting pressure on the quarterback. It forces the QB to get rid of the ball quickly, which prevents routes from developing deep down the field and leads to rushed throws. That is especially true when it comes to Wilson, who is a rhythm QB who wants to push the ball downfield in a clean pocket.
The Chiefs rank seventh in the NFL in sacks and have gotten a boost from returning defensive lineman Charles Omenihu. Controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping Wilson uncomfortable will be the biggest key for the Chiefs’ defense, but they’ll have to be prepared for adjustments.
Broncos’ coach Sean Payton may look to get the ball out of Wilson’s hands faster this time around. Like Chiefs’ coach Andy Reid, Payton is a great designer of the screen game, which could be a nice counter to the aggressiveness of K.C.’s defense. It will be important for Chiefs defenders to follow the ball and not over-pursue ball carriers.
The Chiefs’ secondary should be on alert for the quick passing game such as slants, drag routes, and out routes. Payton may also want to get Wilson out of the pocket on rollouts and bootlegs to avoid pressure, making it vital for Chiefs’ defensive ends to do a good job setting the edge.
The Broncos have run the ball effectively this season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The problem has been having to play from behind so often and not being able to establish the running game.
They have a nice thunder-and-lightning duo in Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin. The Chiefs are usually fine with teams running the ball against them as long as they are limiting big runs and containing the passing game.
Chiefs' offense vs. Broncos' defense
Denver’s defense still ranks dead last in total defense and against the run and is 30th against the pass. However, the unit has played much better the last two weeks, with one of those games being against the Chiefs. The Broncos held K.C. to 19 points and were staunch in the red zone, holding the Chiefs’ offense to settle for four field goals.
Last week the Broncos held the Packers to 17 points and just 5.4 yards per play. Green Bay was unable to stretch the field at all against the Denver secondary. The Broncos’ defensive backs will challenge the K.C. wide receivers at the line of scrimmage with press-man coverage and force them to create separation with speed and good route running.
The Chiefs were able to move the ball well between the 20s against the Broncos two weeks ago by taking what the defense gave them in the middle of the field. Tight end Travis Kelce feasted with 124 receiving yards and running back Isiah Pacheco caught six passes out of the backfield. Kelce and the screen game has been the offense’s bread and butter thus far this season.
Redzone execution and ball security should be the focus for K.C. this week. Too often the Chiefs have kept teams in games due to careless turnovers and settling for field goals instead of cashing in for six. Wide receiver Rashee Rice is becoming a reliable red zone option and it should be a priority for the Chiefs’ offense to frequently dial him up in that area of the field.
Denver will be without starting safety Kareem Jackson in this game, which will be a blow. This could give the Chiefs more opportunities for deep shots down the field, although quarterback Patrick Mahomes will need to be calculated with those shots, something he has struggled to do this season.
