The Denver Broncos (1-4) and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) play each other in a divisional showdown this Thursday, October 12st. This matchup is one of the more intriguing of Week 6, considering the Broncos have the opportunity to pull off one of the bigger upsets of the season thus far. While the Chiefs on the other hand, look to continue dominating their competition and extend their winning streak to 5 games. The latter are coming off of a 27-20 win against the 1-4 Minnesota Vikings, while the former are coming off of a heartbreaking 31-21 loss at the hands of the New York Jets; Either way, this is a game that both teams will look back on as a game that either made or broke their seasons.
Offensive Breakdown
Denver
The Denver Broncos have undoubtedly had a slow start to their season. Surprisingly, the Broncos’ strongest aspect of their team thus far has been their offensive attack. Denver is currently 10th in the NFL in Points Per Game at 24.2.
One of the main reasons why Denver’s offence has been so potent is because Russell Wilson has been quietly bouncing-back this season. Wilson has had 11 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions and a passer rating of 106.1, which ranks fourth in the league through Week 5.
While the passing attack has been a strong suit of the Broncos, the rushing attack has been the opposite. With former second-round pick running back Javonte Williams dealing with a quad issue earlier on, the RB1 position has been up to the likes of rookie Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos’ rushing leader this season with 160 yards) and veteran Samaje Perine. Javonte Williams is going to play Thursday Night in Arrowhead, however, so he should cement his status as RB1.
Denver has also been problematic in regards to offensive line play, with Wilson taking a total of 16 sacks this season, which is tied for 6th-worst in the NFL.
Kansas City
Unlike the Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs have been much more balanced on offence. In terms of Points Per Game, the Chiefs are ranked ninth in the NFL at 25.6. Obviously, when a team has a generational quarterback like Patrick Mahomes II, they are going to be at least top 10 in terms of Points Per Game. Mahomes has had a solid season thus far, but it isn’t necessarily the Mahomes we are familiar with, especially because Mahomes has thrown at least one interception in three of his first five games.
However, the Mahomes and Kelce duo is still one of the strongest duos in the NFL. Kelce already has 3 touchdowns and 222 yards, despite missing Week 1, but he is questionable to play Thursday.
Surprisingly, the Chiefs are 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 123. The Chiefs’ rushing attack contains the three-headed-monster of Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, with Pacheco being the lead back at 325 yards so far this season. Patrick Mahomes’ ability as an escape artist and the solid offensive line play has allowed Mahomes to only take 4 sacks thus far.
Defensive Breakdown
Denver
It is no secret that the Broncos’ defence has mightily struggled against both the run and the pass. The Broncos have given up the most points per game and total yards per game this season, while also being bottom five in the league in terms of passing yards per game.
Despite all of these troubles, there have been some bright spots. Linebacker Nik Bonitto already has 5.5 sacks this season, with 4.5 of those coming in his last 2 games. Although the Broncos gave up 31 points against New York, they still were able to sack Jets QB Zach Wilson 4 times, while also intercepting him once and recovering a fumble.
Denver’s secondary is overseen by two former All-Pros in Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain II. Simmons has missed a few games already this season, while Surtain got his first pick of the season last week. The Broncos’ defence has been rather disappointing this year, and the task does not get any easier this Thursday when they face Kansas City.
Kansas City
The 2023 Chiefs are filled with surprises. First it was the improvement of the rushing attack on offence, and now they are looking like a borderline top 10 defence in the NFL. Kansas City has given up the 5th least Points Per Game this season and has also yielded the 8th least Total Yards Per Game this year. Chris Jones has had a sack in every game he’s played so far, and that’s with missing Week 1 due to his holdout.
Another emergence on the Chiefs’ defensive line has been Mike Danna, who already has 3.5 sacks in the Chiefs’ first five games. It is certain that the Broncos’ offensive line will have their hands full with the Chiefs’ defensive line. Also, this Chiefs’ defence is slated to improve even more, as third-year linebacker Nick Bolton is to return for Thursday Night, who led the NFL in solo tackles last season with 99.
Another reason why this Chiefs’ defence has improved so much is because of cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie. Sneed has allowed only a 35.7 Completion Percentage, while McDuffie has allowed a 45 Completion Percentage. Both of these cornerbacks have contributed to the Chiefs’ immense success against the passing game this season.
Chiefs’ Injuries:
Tight End Travis Kelce – Questionable, But Trending Towards Playing (Ankle)
Punter Tommy Townsend – Questionable (Knee)
Defensive End George Karlaftis – Questionable (Hamstring)
Linebacker Cole Christiansen – OUT (Hamstring)
Broncos’ Injuries
Defensive End Frank Clark – OUT (Illness)
Defensive Tackle D.J. Jones – OUT (Knee)
Defensive Lineman Haggai Ndubuisi – OUT (Finger)
Tight End Greg Dulcich – Questionable, but eligible to return from Injured Reserve (Hamstring)
While the Chiefs are heavy favourites to win this game, divisional games are always difficult to predict because of the rivalry that these two teams share. The Chiefs won the last matchup between these two teams on January 1st, 2023, by a score of 27-24. But like any sports event, nothing is certain until the game is played.
(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)