Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs Week Eight Preview

The Denver Broncos travel to Arrowhead Stadium for their first meeting of 2017 against the Kansas City Chiefs. I preview the game here.

For the past few years, the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs have been the big guys on campus in the AFC West. After the Chargers won the division in 2009, it has been all Denver and Kansas City. Between 2010 and 2016, the Broncos have won five division titles and the Chiefs have won two.

Both of these teams are also in a historic rivalry that dates back to 1960. In fact, when both of these teams take the field on Monday, it will be 57 years ago that the teams met for the first time. The rivalry began on October 30th, 1960.

While the Chiefs currently hold the edge in the all-time series 59-55, the Denver Broncos have made a strong comeback. Since the 1960s, the Broncos have won the series in every decade to this point.

The Broncos and Chiefs have been involved in some great games. One game that I will never forget is the 1998 game in which John Elway helped lead the Broncos from a 31-21 deficit to win the game 35-31.

There is so much to look forward to in this installment of the rivalry game. It will be the dynamic offense of the Chiefs and the stout defense of the Broncos. Both teams are on two game losing streaks. One team will end their losing streak on Monday.

Let us take a closer look at the matchup between these two teams.

Key Matchups

Chiefs Run Offense (5th in league) vs. Broncos Front Seven (2nd against the run)

Broncos Linebackers and Safeties vs. Chiefs Running Backs and Tight Ends

Broncos Offensive Line vs. Chiefs Front Seven

Injury Report

The only player for the Denver Broncos that has been ruled out due to injury is swing tackle Donald Stephenson. It was also said that despite Paxton Lynch practicing in full on Friday and Saturday, he will be a healthy scratch for the Broncos. Which means Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler will suit up on Monday.

Emmanuel Sanders (ankle), Virgil Green (shoulder), Derek Wolfe (foot and hand), and Todd Davis (ankle) are all listed as questionable for Monday’s game. Wolfe is the only player who said he will most likely play, barring any setbacks.

Cody Latimer and Isiaiah McKenzie will be making their return from injuries on Monday. Both men can be helpful on special teams. Menelik Watson will also return after missing last week with a calf injury.

For the Chiefs, only two players are listed as questionable. Justin Houston (knee) and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (knee) are at 50-50 shots to play. Although, I would not be surprised if either one of them suited up.

What to Watch For

Which team will bounce back?

Both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to end two game losing streaks. With the Oakland Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers losing games today, it will be a big game for one team to take the first step towards separating themselves from the rest of the division.

Will the Denver Broncos offense please stand up?

Ever since the Denver Broncos put up 42 points on the Dallas Cowboys, the offense has been missing in action. They haven’t broken 20 points since that game. This is a cause for concern. You can blame whomever you want for the offensive struggles, but they need to get some points on the board. 19 points or fewer is not going to get it done against the Chiefs.

Prediction

This game is so difficult to predict. My only concern with the Denver Broncos is if the offense can get some points for Pete’s Sake. Perhaps the keys to winning this game will be limit the penalties, move the ball downfield, and stop turning the ball over.

However, that is easier said than done. I honestly think if the Denver Broncos offense comes out and does well, they have a solid chance. But I also can see that the defense might be relied upon to get things going.

Turnovers will be key to this game. The Broncos defense hasn’t forced many turnovers this season. I think that will change on Monday.

Broncos 24 Chiefs 20

Next: Jamaal Charles preparing for Kansas City Return

Game Information

Who: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

When: Monday October 30th, 2017

Where: Arrowhead Stadium

Time: 8:30 PM EST/6:30 PM MST

TV Station: ESPN

Announcers: Sean McDonough (play-by-play), John Gruden (color commentator), Lisa Salters (sideline reporter)