The Chiefs’ first half of 2025 has quietly revealed exactly what will make the Broncos game their toughest test yet.QQ

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes know what they’re getting into against Denver’s defense on Sunday.

The first half of the season didn’t go as well as the Kansas City Chiefs would have liked, but they’re far from out of it.

Part of the reason for their 5-4 start in 2025 can be attributed to the tough schedule they have played. All of the Chiefs’ losses have come to teams who currently hold playoff spots.

It wont’ get an easier during the second half of the season, beginning with a tough road matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. However, Kansas City should be prepared for the Broncos’ biggest strength based off many of its previous matchups.

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Broncos’ defensive line is the centerpiece of Chiefs’ gameplan

Denver has arguably the best defensive line in the NFL. It by far leads the league in sacks with 46, and ranks fourth in run defense — allowing just 91.2 yards per game. While speaking to the media on Wednesday, coach Andy Reid said he is looking forward to the challenge for his offensive line, while noting that the team has already faced many other great defensive lines this season.

“That’s really a strength of theirs (the Broncos’ defensive line),” Reid said. “They got a good defense, but that D-line, it starts with them. It’s a nice challenge for our offensive line. We’ve had this string of good D-lines that we’ve been going against. This gives you another opportunity to continue to grow as a group, and we look forward to that challenge. That’s what this is all about, you love that you get to play a good football team.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is also locking in on Denver’s talented defensive line, specifically outside linebacker Nik Bonitto.

“He’s a great pass rusher,” Mahomes said of Bonitto. “He’s someone that can really get to the quarterback. He’s smart. He does a lot of spying on me as well. He’s a really good football player, Just like the other guys, they got a lot of sacks for a reason. Zach Allen inside, and (Jonathon) Cooper on the other side. They got guys everywhere that can make plays. Not letting them make a play that just completely disrupts the entire game, getting the ball out of your hands, try not to take sacks, and then let the game come to you.”

Bonitto ranks third in the NFL in sacks with 9.5. The Broncos have three players with at least five sacks on the season, and five with at least three. The Chiefs’ offensive line is improved from 2024, but took a bit of a step back against the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago. It will need its best performance of the year against Denver to give K.C. a fighting chance to come away with a win.