This is the biggest Denver Broncos game since Super Bowl 50.
Full stop.
Sean Payton, Bo Nix, and the Broncos (8-2) can take a huge step toward dethroning Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) in the AFC West. The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine straight seasons. A division-leading Denver win on Sunday increases its percentage of an AFC West title this season.
In the process, the Broncos can prove that, yes, they are indeed for real and are legitimate contenders.
FanDuel Sportsbook doesn’t think Denver will get the victory on Sunday, however. The Broncos are a +3.5-point home underdog to their rivals this Sunday. The total sits at over/under 44.5 points, with a lean towards the under at -115.
Offensive Rankings
Kansas City: Seventh in total offense (370.1 yards per game), 12th in rushing offense (121.2 YPG), fifth in passing offense (248.9 YPG), ninth in scoring offense (26.1 points per game).
Denver: Thirteenth in total offense (334.6 yards per game), ninth in rushing offense (128.6 YPG), 18th in passing offense (206.0 YPG), 17th in scoring offense (23.5 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Kansas City: Sixth in total defense (291.8 yards per game), 12th in rushing defense (104.6 YPG), seventh in passing defense (187.2 YPG), fourth in scoring defense (17.7 points per game).
Denver: Third in total defense (270.7 yards per game), fourth in rushing defense (91.2 YPG), sixth in passing defense (179.5 YPG), third in scoring defense (17.3 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.
Start fast offensively, and just win the game
It’s no secret that Nix and the offense have struggled through the first three quarters in games this season. In their most recent outing, the Broncos offense struggled through all four quarters. Denver needs to start fast on Sunday, if nothing else, than to just build some confidence. Take the first drive down the field for a touchdown. Mile High is going to be rocking on Sunday as it is, feed into that with a first-drive touchdown. Put Mahomes and the Chiefs back on their heels. From there, just win the darn game. Whatever it takes. However the Broncos have to do it. Win this game. — Ian St. Clair
Play uptempo on offense
The offense operates more effectively when the plays are called quickly and the team moves efficiently. Take away the pressure on Nix to be perfect and go into something akin to a hurry-up offense. Don’t limit the playbook, but move faster. — Adam Malnati
Stop stinking up the place on offense
I don’t know how or what you should do, Denver. But my advice is to stop looking like hot garbage for most of every game and see how that works. Yes, I’m still annoyed by the lack of NFL-caliber execution on offense. At least the defense is good, though! — Tim Lynch
Limit the mistakes and penalties
Last week against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football, the Broncos had a few turnovers and nearly a dozen penalties. It was a sloppy game throughout. Quite frankly, Denver was fortunate enough to come out with a win despite playing poorly on offense and special teams. This week, they can’t afford to shoot themselves in the foot against a team like the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver needs to be disciplined and limit the number of self-inflicted miscues in order to secure a victory. If they want to be the frontrunner in the AFC West, they need to go out and execute at a high level. — Christopher Hart
Maintain run game success on first down
One of the bright spots from the Denver offense over the last couple of weeks has been their ability to pick up at least four yards on first down by running the ball. Typically, the Broncos offense is hindered by second-and-long situations that prevent the unit from getting in a rhythm. No matter what’s happening with J.K. Dobbins and his foot, the Broncos need to be able to keep up this trend. Picking up at least four yards a carry on first down is a solid goal for this team. — Ross Allen
What are your keys to Sunday’s game?