The Broncos victory over the Chiefs in their only playoff meeting would ultimately lead to a Super Bowl Championship (AP | Hans Deryk)

On January 4th, 1998, the Denver Broncos Revenge Tour was well under way. The Broncos had walloped the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card playoffs a week earlier by a score of 42-17. That victory provided some retribution for the crushing playoff loss to the Jags in 1996 when Denver was the #1 seed in the AFC. As a reward for their wild card victory, Denver made a trip to Kansas City for the first ever playoff meeting between the longtime AFC West rivals. The Chiefs entered the game as the top seed in the AFC thanks to a last second victory over Denver in week 12. That loss forced Denver to enter the playoffs as a Wild Card team and it was the reason this game took place at Arrowhead Stadium rather than Mile High. But despite the fact that Denver was the #4 seed, they actually had the second best regular season record in the conference. That, coupled with the fact that Denver had the 1-2 punch of John Elway and Terrell Davis, gave the Broncos a lot of confidence heading into their biggest game of the year.

(more…)

1. It’s been so long since the Chiefs have won a Super Bowl that they decided to bring in Mike Vrabel just to admire his rings.

2. Larry Johnson was released from the Chiefs because he used the C-word. “Chiefs.”

3. The main tornado shelter in Kansas City is at Arrowhead. After all, they never get a touchdown there.

4. The one time VP for player personnel for the Patriots, Scott Pioli, is now GM for the Chiefs. Before being hired in January, he thought about taking an easier job like turning water into wine.

5. Former Charger, Chris Chambers, is now a Chief. I hear he joined because he wants to retire early.

6. Tony Gonzales saved a man from choking in a restaurant. If only he could’ve done the same thing for the Chiefs.

7. KC Wolf is better than half the players on the Chiefs’ defensive line.  

8. A Kansas City judge has allowed a man to be temporarily released from jail to see Sunday’s game. The judge felt watching the Chiefs play four quarters was equivalent to at least two years in prison.

9. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Mike Cox. Mike Cox who? Mike Cox is better than yours. Lame name. 

10.  Arrowhead Stadium was approved for renovations which will be completed in 2011. They’re able to fund the project with all the money they save by not fielding a football team.

Go Broncos!

Kansas City Chiefs - Last year’s 4-12 season sent Chiefs fans longing for the days of Priest Holmes and a healthy Trent Green. The ups and downs continued for the team in the offseason as they lost Jared Allen to the Vikes, and nabbed Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert in the first round of the draft.

To Broncos fans: Don’t worry too much about this team. While playing at Arrowhead isn’t a dream come true, we had some success against this team even during last year’s abysmal season. As Jay Cutler was dropping pounds, we put a beating on the Chiefs both times we played them. The life-saving efforts of Tony Gonzales may just be the highlight of the Chiefs’ year for fans.

Chiefs outlook – Overall Record: 7-9; AFC Record: 2-4 (They can beat the Raiders twice)  

Oakland Raiders - They get the NFL award for Most Continuous Rebuilding Seasons. Raider Nation longs for any before season before 2003. They have high hopes for a team that went 4-12 last year. JaMarcus Russell will be under the microscope this season, but Javon Walker’s huge contract does not need to be. They picked up Darren McFadden in the draft prompting them to release veteran back LaMont Jordan. I’m sure Jordan will enjoy being a New England Patriot more anyways.

To Broncos fans: Look for two very physical games between these two teams this year. Coach Shanahan has always loved to put a beating on the team that fired him in 89′. I’m pretty sure the Broncos want to get their hands on Javon Walker too.

Raiders outlook – Overall Record: 6-10; AFC Record: 0-6 (Yes, I said it!)

San Diego Chargers - They’ve got the all-star cast in Rivers, Tomlinson, and Gates, and they play in a rebuilding division. They will make the playoffs but find that their success stops when they meet someone like the Colts or the Pats. They got defensive back Antoine Cason in last year’s draft.

To Broncos fans – There’s definitely some heated blood between the two teams. Last year’s trash talking not only took national headlines, but it made Philip Rivers look like the fool that he is. There are scores to be settled after the romping the Broncos took at home (41-3), and again on Christmas Eve (23-3).

Chargers outlook – Overall Record: 10-6; AFC Record: 5-1 (They lose once to the Broncos)