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Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Week Seven Preview

By Shelby Manning

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a left-handed pass for a completion while he is hit by linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a left-handed pass for a completion while he is hit by linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 15: Kareem Jackson #22 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a third down stop against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Key Matchups

Denver’s Secondary vs. Travis Kelce

It has been no secret that Denver’s defense has struggled for years to defend the tight end position; this even dates back to Super Bowl 50 days. The Broncos’ secondary will have their work cut out for them when they go up against Travis Kelce, the most likely best tight end in the league with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski.

The Chiefs’ offense mainly relies on their passing attack, and Kelce is a huge (literally) weapon for Mahomes. With his size and physicality, he is matchup nightmare for defensive backs. The Broncos’ secondary will need to ensure that he is kept quiet or they may be forced to play catch-up throughout the night.

Chiefs’ Secondary vs. Courtland Sutton

While the Broncos’ secondary will have a tough task at hand, so will the Chiefs’ secondary. Courtland Sutton has proven he will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL, and his size proves to be a difficulty for cornerbacks, much like Kelce.

Sutton’s speed is also uncanny for his size. The Chiefs’ secondary is arguably the team’s weak spot. While the corners on their roster are good, with guys like the injured Kendall Fuller and Bashaud Breeland, their effectiveness is just not always there, causing many to wonder why Kansas City did not make an offer for Jalen Ramsey. The Broncos should take advantage of this weakness and utilize Sutton in their offense frequently.

X-Factors

Tyreek Hill

Whether the Kansas City Chiefs win or lose this game may ride on the shoulders of wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill made an immediate impact with 2 TD’s in his game back, but it did not help them in the bigger picture, losing two games in a row. Tyreek Hill has drove a dagger into the heart of the Denver defense before and is more than capable of doing it again.

The worst position the Broncos could be in is letting Hill get a big break downfield, because if this happens, nobody is catching him with his unmatched speed. Tyreek Hill is more likely than not to be the game changer of this contest.

Noah Fant

Noah Fant has fallen under some pretty heavy criticism this season, for dropped passes, and most recently, a Flacco interception that has fallen under much debate over who was truly at fault between Fant and Flacco. Let’s save that for another day, and discuss how he can make or break this game.

Denver has not had consistent production from a tight end since Owen Daniels, or arguably, even Julius Thomas. Noah Fant really does not deserve the criticism he has received; hei is a rookie and has made rookie mistakes.

Noah Fant could be made a big part of the Broncos’ offense on Thursday and he could see some solid production. If the Broncos can steadily incorporate Sanders and Sutton, Fant may be left uncovered and may have some opportunity to wreck the game.

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