Denver Broncos: Kansas City Chiefs games have been critical junctures

How important are the Denver Broncos’ matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs? They have been critical junctures over the past few seasons. We explore.

As an AFC West rivalry game, it goes without saying that the Denver Broncos’ annual pair of matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs is extremely important.

Even with the inherent importance of division games or even conference games, the matchups against the Chiefs, specifically, have seemed to be major turning points for both teams since John Elway started calling the shots in the front office back in 2011.

As we approach the week four Monday Night Football matchup between these two AFC West foes, let’s take a look back at some of the critical matchups and what this year’s first duel could mean.

2011: Broncos @ Chiefs (November 13, Week 10)

The Broncos were in the midst of what appeared to be a rebuilding season in 2011 with John Fox taking over as the team’s head coach, rookie Von Miller jump-starting the defense, and John Elway’s direction providing hope for the future of the team after Josh McDaniels reset the course of the franchise and embarrassed the city of Denver.

In week 10 of the 2011 season, the Broncos were 3-5 and coming off of a huge win on the road against the Oakland Raiders. With Tim Tebow as the team’s quarterback, the Broncos went into Kansas City and stole a 17-10 victory despite Tebow completing just two passes.

One of those two completed passes was a touchdown to Eric Decker.

This game was the second in a six-game winning streak for the Broncos that helped the team win the AFC West. The loss put the Chiefs at 4-5 on the season, and they ended up beating the Broncos in week 17 but it was too little, too late. They ended the season 7-9.