Broncos vs. Chiefs Gameday: Five (Not So) Bold Predictions
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos safety Rahim Moore (26) reacts after catching an interception during the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It’s finally gameday, Broncos fans, and today we take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Denver. The Broncos are the only team who won a game in week one, so the Chiefs along with the rest of the other AFC West teams are looking to get off the early season schnide and make something happen.
The Broncos have other plans in mind, specifically to close out a game better and to also be more efficient offensively throughout the course of the game. Much of that will come from a more consistent running game, which could benefit from the unfortunate injury suffered by Derrick Johnson last week, the Chiefs linebacker who is now out for the entire season.
Kansas City as a whole is banged up, but Alex Smith is a player who doesn’t take too many (bad) chances down the field and may take even less on this day due to the fact that Kansas City is once again experimenting with a new look on the offensive line thanks to another injury, this one to guard Jeff Allen.
The Broncos must be on guard for a heavy dose of Jamaal Charles, quick passes over the middle, screens, and play-action on Sunday. Here are my five bold predictions for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.
1. Demaryius Thomas Dominates
It’s time for Demaryius Thomas to take a game over. Thomas had just four catches in the Broncos’ week one victory over the Colts, and looked really bad in all honesty. Thomas is going to have to make a statement in this game against the Chiefs, and I think he will. The Broncos are going to get him plenty of targets early on in this game, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end up with not only double digit catches, but perhaps in excess of 150-175 yards receiving.
Last season, Thomas had two big games against the Chiefs in terms of yardage, and I expect much of the same this time around.
2. Pass Rush Field Day
The Broncos’ pass rush, starting with Von Miller, must have a big day against the Chiefs. They might have to mix things up a bit with the Chiefs presumably looking at a heavy dose of short passes and quick screens, but I think the Broncos’ pass rush anchored by Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware will be able to make things happen.
Perhaps more pivotal are the matchups on the interior. I highlighted Sylvester Williams on Saturday as a player who could break out, and his pressure from the defensive interior will be key.
3. Keep an Eye on Rahim
Rahim Moore capitalized off of two tipped balls last Sunday and secured his first two interceptions since leaving a Sunday Night game against the Chiefs last season with his leg injury/condition. I expect Moore to continue to play excellent football and be that ballhawk in the back of the Denver secondary.
Keep an eye on him today, as he will be looking to capitalize off of any mistake made by Alex Smith, who threw three picks against the Titans in week one.
4. Montee to Carry the Load
Broncos running back Montee Ball had a really good week one considering there were hardly any running lanes to be seen. I think in week two, the Broncos will have an emphasis on attacking the Chiefs’ defense with the running game, and Ball could see even more carries this week than he did last week.
Also, Ball was very good against the Chiefs last year when the Broncos last played them in a late-season matchup at Arrowhead. He could have another big game this time around as a runner and receiver.
5. Fantasy is Reality
I think the Broncos are going to put on a performance today that is worthy of all fantasy football dreams and aspirations. The Chiefs are so banged up, the Broncos are ticked about how last week’s game ended against the Colts, and they are set out to prove that they can be a dominant team. I think they will flex a little bit against the Chiefs prior to their week three matchup in Seattle, but first things first.
I think the Broncos win this big.