The Denver Broncos (7-5) are seeking revenge against the Kansas City Chiefs (2-10) who took it to the Broncos earlier this season.
In this Week 14 matchup, the Broncos are looking to lock up their first AFC West title in three years as they host the Chiefs. They can accomplish that with a victory over Kansas City coupled with a San Diego loss.
This young Denver team controls their own destiny.
However, as the Broncos learned earlier this season, no team can be overlooked.
"It's far from over," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "The thing that we're going to do is hopefully concentrate on the job at hand. We've got Kansas City in our backyard."
This Chiefs team, which handed the Broncos a 14-point beatdown in Week Four, has been steadily improved since quarterback Tyler Thigpen took the reins.
Both teams look to attack on the ground
Denver Running back Peyton Hillis has a touchdown run in three consecutive games, and he will be carrying the ball against the 31st-ranked rush defense. Kansas City tailback Larry Johnson enjoyed his most impressive performance of the season against the Broncos, and he will be facing the NFL's 28th-ranked rush defense.
Expect a heavy dose of Hillis and Johnson early in the game.
Broncos limiting turnovers
Denver is second worst in the NFL in turnover margin at -11 and Kansas City has a +5 ratio. If the Broncos limit turnovers against the Chiefs, they can control the game. Jay Cutler has been outstanding in Denver's victories this season, but if he turns the ball over, the Broncos have not been as fortunate.
Injured starters returning
After taking part in practice the last 11 days, it appears that injured Broncos D.J. Williams, Nate Webster, and Champ Bailey will return for this game.
That is great news for a Broncos defense that has been absolutely depleted this season. The team as a whole has seen 13 players be put on injured reserve.
The Broncos also will have the services of running back Selvin Young, who has been nursing a groin injury.
Home Streaks
The Broncos, who have lost three consecutive home games, have never lost four home games in a row at Invesco Field at Mile High, and they have also won seven straight home games against Kansas City.
Kansas City is 1-5 on the road this season, winning their lone road contest against the Raiders last Sunday.
Reaching Milestones
Denver quarterback Jay Cutler likely will surpass the 3,500 passing yard mark on Sunday, as he currently sits at 3,393 yards through the air.
Cutler's top target this season, Brandon Marshall, has a good chance of reaching 75 receptions and 1,000 yard receiving yards total (72 receptions, 942 yards).
Second-year kicker Matt Prater has a chance to break a Broncos team record if he hits his sixth 50+ yard field goal.
Game Prediction
I think the Broncos will get off to a hot start against the Chiefs, and control the game from there. Denver is getting some serious help on defense in the form of three starters, including two potential Pro Bowlers.
Expect Cutler to throw around 30-35 passes, leaving the rest of the offensive load to Hillis.
Kansas City may find some success in the short passing routes and screens, but Denver's defense has gotten stingy as of late, so I wouldn't expect many big plays from the Chiefs offense.
Denver 31, Kansas City 20
Top Performers
Broncos
Jay Cutler: 24-35, 285 yards, 2 TD's
Peyton Hillis: 28 carries, 135 yards, 2 TD's
Brandon Marshall/Tony Scheffler: 6 rec, TD each
Eddie Royal: 8 receptions, 100 yards
Chiefs
Tyler Thigpen: 27-45, 240 yards, TD
Tony Gonzalez: 6 receptions, TD
Larry Johnson: 20 carries, 85 yards, TD
Mark Bradley: 7 receptions, 90 yards
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