Week 4 Preview: Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

The Broncos and the Chiefs will meet in Kansas City on Sunday to add fuel to the fire that is the Denver and Kansas City rivalry.  Kansas City (0-3) is struggling to find comfort this season and is considered to be rebuilding.  Denver (3-0) has been a surprise team to many and has put up huge numbers offensively. 

While Denver quarterback Jay Cutler gets much of the credit, he will be the first to tell you that his success is due to the excellent play of this young and talented Denver offensive line.  Despite losing future Hall of Famer Tom Nalen (center) for the season, the Broncos have had great production from former Chief center Casey Wiegmann.

The offensive line has kept Cutler's jersey very clean, only allowing one sack so far this season.  This matchup works very heavily in the Broncos' favor because the Chiefs defense has only gotten to the quarterback once.

The Chiefs will be using their third starting quarterback of the year already after only three games.  Veteran Damon Huard will get the nod to face the Broncos come Sunday afternoon.  Huard will lead a Chiefs offense that has scored only four touchdowns all season.

The Broncos head into week four feeling very confident despite being the youngest team in the NFL.  Denver's offense leads the NFL with 13 offensive scores, two more than the Chargers and Cowboys.

Cutler has engineered a Broncos offense that has absolutely torched opposing defenses.  Although the Chiefs appear to be a weak opponent, they boast the fourth toughest pass defense in the NFL, allowing only 153 yards through the air per game.

The real struggle the Chiefs will have is scoring points.  Despite the fact that the Denver defense has given up the fifth most amount of points per game, they still feature the leagues top CB tandem in Champ Bailey and Dre Bly.  The Broncos are looking to implement a 3-4 scheme in some situations for the Chiefs game, in hopes of putting hotter pressure on Damon Huard. 

The Broncos have statistically the worst pass defense in either league, allowing 315.7 yards per game.  That yardage total is due to a lack of pressure on the quarterback, as the Broncos have only four sacks this season.

Key Matchup

Broncos WR Eddie Royal vs. Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers

The two college teammates reunite as bitter rivals and if Royal is able to win this battle, it will free up so many options for QB Jay Cutler.

Advantages

Chiefs-- Home field

Broncos--Talent at skill positions

Bottom Line

If the Broncos can get pressure on Damon Huard, it will be very hard for the Chiefs to move the ball on this defense. 

Prediction

I think that the Broncos will get their defense back on track facing an offense that is scoring just over ten points per contest.  The Chiefs have some great young talent, but the Broncos may overpower them.  Look for the Broncos to force 3-5 turnovers and turn Jay Cutler loose against a mediocre defense.

Broncos 52, Chiefs 13

Player of the Game

Jay Cutler:  26/32, 345 yards, 5 TD's