[8:30 PM] Chiefs @ Broncos

Who will WIN this matchup?

Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)

@ Denver Broncos (7-3)

 

• The line for this game is Denver by 3 points.

• The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for what figures to be an exciting race for the AFC West title, and their two head-to-head matchups over the next six weeks will go a long way toward determining the division champion. The Broncos get the first crack at hosting their rivals when the Chiefs visit the Mile High City on Sunday night.

• Kansas City’s offense has been pedestrian, thanks in large part to a rash of injuries, and could be without two top receivers with Jeremy Maclin (doubtful, groin) and rookie Tyreek Hill (questionable, knee) hurting. If the Chiefs are going to have success against Denver’s stout defense, though, it likely will have to be on the ground with Spencer Ware, who got off to a great start to the season but has not scored a touchdown in the last three games. The Chiefs’ defense also is ailing with linebackers Derrick Johnson (Achilles) and Tamba Hali (knee) and nose tackle Dontari Poe (back) listed as questionable, although top cornerback Marcus Peters (hip) is likely to return after missing last week’s 19-17 loss to Tampa Bay.

• Denver leans on one of the best defenses in the league and ranks second in the NFL with 20 takeaways, including four in a 25-23 win at New Orleans prior to the bye week. The strong defense helps make up for a lackluster offense that has struggled to run the ball consistently and now is relying on rookie Devontae Booker to carry the load in the backfield. First-year starting quarterback Trevor Siemian has not put up impressive numbers but does enough to keep the Broncos in games and has a pair of dangerous targets in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, who have enjoyed great success against the Chiefs.

• The Chiefs have won seven straight games against AFC West rivals.

• Denver LB Von Miller has recorded a sack in four straight games against Kansas City and has registered 14 1/2 in his last 12 overall contests, including the playoffs.

• Kansas City LB Dee Ford (questionable, hamstring) is tied for the NFL lead with 10 sacks, including nine in his last six games.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Denver Broncos

Confidence: 5/10

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