Denver Broncos: Kansas City Chiefs games have been critical junctures
2017 & Beyond
The Broncos were crushed by Kansas City (at Arrowhead Stadium) in the first matchup between these two teams in 2017, and the Chiefs would go on to win the AFC West for the second straight season, but not before getting Patrick Mahomes his first NFL start in week 17.
The start by Mahomes likely was the last bit of confidence Andy Reid and his staff needed to make their decision to ultimately trade Alex Smith and move on to a new era, which has paved the way to where we are today.
The Broncos and Chiefs head into an early-season matchup that could ultimately be a huge difference maker in the final standings.
Mahomes now looks like an MVP candidate, while the Broncos have two close wins under their belt and an ugly road loss to the Ravens in week three.
Denver looks overmatched on paper, but they have some areas they can exploit. This game could determine the course the Broncos take the rest of the season. If they can beat the Chiefs at home, maybe they get really aggressive and try trading for an upgrade at cornerback, or perhaps they make another move elsewhere.
Right now, it doesn’t feel like the Broncos have quite established their identity. We discussed that on the most recent Knights of DEN podcast, which you can check out here:
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Regardless of how good Kansas City has looked this season and how bad Denver looked in week three, history tells us that this game is going to be a pretty good indicator of the drama that will unfold as the season goes along, and the team that has won the first regular season battle in these matchups has gone on to win the AFC West every year since John Elway has been with Denver (starting in 2011).
This is a huge game and a very meaningful rivalry.