Chiefs at Broncos - Matchups to Watch
The Chiefs head to Denver looking to continue their winning streak
The Chiefs head to Denver to go for 17 in a row against the Broncos. This game shouldn’t be close based on the records but the Broncos have played the Chiefs close in the past. Had the Chiefs not gone 1 - 5 in the red zone less than two weeks ago against the Broncos I’d feel better about the matchup.
Travis Kelce vs. Broncos defense
This is going to be something to watch because the Broncos tried to cover him in multiple ways when they played on Thursday Night Football. Kelce had seven catches for 106 yards in the first half against the Broncos but then only had 2 catches for 18 yards in the second half. Kelce drew coverage from Patrick Surtain at times but still was effective.
The Chiefs offense still runs through Kelce at multiple levels. Kelce can attack the short and intermediate zones successfully and help create space for others. I expect the Broncos to look at their game plan from the second half of the past game to try to slow Kelce down. The issue they will likely have is that Kelce isn’t the Chiefs’ lone option as the offense is opening up and guys like Rashee Rice and the other wide receivers are helping move the ball.
Donovan Smith vs. Baron Browning
This one could get interesting on Sunday. Donovan Smith has easily been the weakest link on the Chiefs offensive line and I expect that will continue on Sunday. Smith will have his hands full with Browning who didn’t play due to an injury a few weeks ago and this will only be his second game this season. Browning had 19 pass rush snaps against the Packers and ended the day with four hurries on Jordan Love.