The Chiefs’ roadmap to dominating the Broncos revealed: 5 game-changing strategies including stopping Denver’s relentless pass rush.QQ
This is the biggest regular season game Kansas City has played in a long time.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 11 matchup against the Denver Broncos will be one of the biggest regular season games they have played over the past several years.
If the Chiefs have any hopes of winning the AFC West for the 10th consecutive year, Sunday’s game is a must-win. They will trail the Broncos by 3.5 games with a loss, while also remaining behind the Los Angeles Chargers. Let’s take a look at what it will take for Kansas City to emerge victorious in Denver.
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Chiefs’ offensive line holding up against Broncos’ pass rush
It’s unrealistic to think that the Chiefs’ offensive line will completely shut down Denver’s front seven. What’s important is that the Broncos’ pass rush doesn’t take over the game. The K.C. O-line was on a roll throughout the month of October, but struggled two weeks ago against the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs’ coaching staff, as well as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, can make things easier by getting the ball out quickly. However, there will be instances where Mahomes will need time to let things develop, particularly on downfield shots. K.C.’s O-line has to be up for the challenge and be ready to play a physical 60 minutes.
Keep Broncos QB Bo Nix uncomfortable
Nix is tied for the third most interceptions thrown with eight, and is completing just 60 percent of his passes. He has also been one of the worst QBs in the league when throwing downfield (H/T Joe Rowles).
It will be important for the Chiefs to rattle Nix early on. If they allow him to settle in and become confident, Nix has enough skill to have a productive day. K.C.’s pass rush has struggled this season, and needs to find answers quickly to get the team where it wants to go.
Patrick Mahomes spreading the ball around
When the Chiefs have won games this season, Mahomes has spread the ball around nicely to his deep cast of playmakers. In their last game against the Bills, Mahomes was locked on to Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce a bit too much, forcing some bad passes to them during critical situations.
K.C.’s offense is at its best when opposing defenses don’t know where the ball is going to go. The offensive line holding up plays a role in this, but Mahomes has to see the whole field and trust of all his pass catchers.
Get physical with Broncos RB RJ Harvey
It doesn’t appear that starting RB J.K. Dobbins will play in this game, meaning Harvey will likely carry the load out of the backfield. Harvey has made a handful of big plays this season, so the last thing the Chiefs need is him having a breakout performance against them.
K.C. has been pretty good against the run this year, but allowed 141 yards and three touchdowns on the ground to Buffalo. Like with Nix, the Chiefs need to get in Harvey’s head early on and not allow him to build momentum.
Clean special teams play
Divisional games are usually hard fought and close, so special teams play could tip the scales. At the very least, the Chiefs can’t afford to shoot themselves in the foot with special teams penalties, which they’ve totaled 10 of this season.
Given how good the Broncos’ defense is, K.C. may have to settle for multiple field goals. That means Harrison Butker, who had some early season struggles, will need to be on his game. He has been better as of late, and the perhaps the thin Denver air will give him a boost.
