Special Preview– NFL, Week 13
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Broncos: This is the best record they’ve had through 11 games in quite some time. Could be since 2015 when they last won the Super Bowl. I still remember at the beginning of the year when they started 3-0 and everybody thought they were improving. I had to bring everyone back down to reality and say to them, they’ve defeated the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets, three teams who didn’t qualify for the postseason the year before. I understand the Broncos have had some quarterback issues over the years. I’ve always liked Teddy Bridgewater. First, nobody thought he’d be back on the field again after suffering a severe knee injury. He’s come back nicely. I’ve always said he’s cut from the Alex Smith cloth because he’s not the type of quarterback to do too much. What I’ve enjoyed about him is he stays true to his game and won’t ever step out of his box. Week 12 was the best I’ve seen Denver look all year long. The defense picked off Justin Herbert twice and sacked him three times. Right now, they’re in a three-way tie for second place in a crowded AFC West division. On Sunday, they’ll travel to a place that hasn’t been friendly to them as of late, Arrowhead.
Chiefs: I’m getting the 2019 vibes from them as I watch them. For most of September and a nice portion of October, all you heard was “they aren’t the same, they’re done, they won’t make the playoffs or they will be one and done come playoff time”. They’ve won four in a row. Let me start with their defense first. I was telling my radio associate, Cole Johnson, just last week that the Chiefs acquiring Melvin Ingram was a blessing in disguise because Melvin could play on the edge and it allows Chris Jones to play on the interior of the defensive line where he does his best work. This defense goes as Chris goes. When he’s not on the field, you immediately see how much he’s missed because there’s no push-up front and he’s also their best pass rusher. I know I’ve been on record saying Tyrann Mathieu is their most important defender, that’s hands down Chris. Tyrann is the heart and soul of the team. If the offense plays how they did a few weeks ago in Las Vegas and the defense continues to climb the ladder and improve, this is a tough out. I don’t think anyone expected them to be sitting in first place after the inconsistent football they were putting on display. You can always turn the page. They’re off the bye and back home on Sunday night.
Broncos X-Factor: Melvin Gordon– He’s the dual-threat running back every team would dream of having. Melvin is so shifty when he’s in the open field with the ball. He powers through and can get into the second and sometimes third level of the defense with his quickness. In the passing game, let him find a mismatch with a linebacker or safety, he’s winning that every single time. Denver will feed him early on and wear down an up-and-down Kansas City defense.
Chiefs X-Factor: Byron Pringle– After Tyreek, it’s been a number two receiver by committee type of thing. One week, it’s Demarcus Robinson, sometimes, it’s Mecole Hardman, and some days, it’s Byron Pringle. It’s the shiftiness he displays in the open field. Because of all the attention Tyreek and Travis command, the others always see single looks from defenses. You can’t double everybody. He’s so quick with the ball in his hands. When you get him the ball in space, good things happen.
Final Thoughts: The AFC West became very interesting. The Chiefs are in first place, the Raiders won last week and the Broncos dominated the Chargers. This is a rivalry game that’s getting the spotlight once again. The Chiefs have won their last five games against the Broncos. Denver won’t try to get into a shootout with KC and Mahomes because that won’t work in their favor. Lots of Gordon early on and taking shots to those receivers. Can this KC defense keep up the intensity it’s been playing with as of late? The last time I saw the Chiefs play, the offense wasn’t sharp either. Getting that going will also be essential for them. Tyreek Hill and Patrick Surtain II will be the matchup to watch.
Prediction: Chiefs 42, Broncos 21
