Chiefs at Broncos: Pride Is on the Line

To get you ready for week 14, FanHouse is previewing all 16 NFL games. Here is the Kansas City Chiefs/Denver Broncos preview.

2007 Records:

Kansas City Chiefs: 4-8 (t-3rd in AFC West)
Denver Broncos: 5-7 (2nd in AFC West)

Last Week:

Chargers 24, Chiefs 10
Raiders 34, Broncos 20

When the Chiefs have the ball: The Chiefs have decided on Brodie Croyle as their starting quarterback this weekend but they'd be wise to limit his impact on the game. The Broncos made another admission of their incompetence against the run when they released Sam Adams this week and K.C.'s game plan should feature Kolby Smith until the Broncos prove they can stop him. Even though the Broncos will play eight in the box to try and stop the run, Huard shouldn't be looking for too much more than quick slants and outs to Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe. Bad things, sacks and interceptions, happen with way too much frequency for Kansas City to try and open the game up downfield.


When the Broncos have the ball: Last week in Oakland was an unmitigated disaster for the Bronco offense. Four turnovers, all of which led to Raider points, all but ended their playoffs hopes for this season. There's still a brief flicker and if Denver wants to turn it into a flame they'll need to rediscover their running game. The Chiefs were strafed by LaDainian Tomlinson on Sunday and the Broncos hope to do the same thing with Travis Henry and Selvin Young. Problem is, the middle of the line has been abysmal since Tom Nalen got hurt and the zone blocking scheme isn't creating the holes of years past. Still, Denver must commit to the run because if they become a throwing team they play right into the hands of the K.C. defense. Their pass rush is hellish so the run needs to slow their upfield progress and give Jay Cutler time to pick up his targets.

The Edge: Both teams have been disappointments this season and enter the game with losing streaks. The Chiefs have lost five straight and have absolutley no offensive spark. The Broncos may have their worst defense ever and haven't produced a team worthy of the expectations they had entering this season. Still, it's a divisional rivalry game and spirits should be high. Denver has slim playoff hopes, that should inspire them to the win.

Keep an eye on:

Jared Allen vs. Matt Lepsis - If Lepsis can hold Allen in some degree of check it will improve the Broncos chances of victory exponentially. Allen has 11.5 sacks and is headed to the Pro Bowl but Lepsis is fast enough to give him a chance against the speed rusher. This should be a great matchup to watch and a key one in deciding the outcome.

Home Field Advantage - Kansas City has not won in Denver since Invesco Field opened in 2001.