Chiefs-Broncos scouting report

When the Chiefs run

EDGE >> BRONCOS

Charcandrick West has fared well the last two games as Jamaal Charles’ replacement, rushing for a combined 207 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers and Lions. The Broncos, however, are quite stingy against the run. Linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall do a nice job flowing to the ball, while interior linemen Derek Wolfe and Vance Walker have fared well against the run, as well.

When the Chiefs pass

EDGE >> BRONCOS

The Chiefs’ pass protection has been subpar but this year, but they’ve been better in recent weeks. That trend needs to continue against the league’s fiercest pass rush, as Denver has tallied a league-high 30 sacks. The duo of outside linebackers Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware has wreaked havoc this year, but Ware will sit because of a back injury. But youngsters Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray are promising prospects who can both apply heat to the quarterback. The Chiefs are catching a break with Aqib Talib out for a one-game suspension, but Chris Harris Jr. is an outstanding corner who could have a great battle ahead with Jeremy Maclin.

When the Broncos run

EDGE >> CHIEFS

Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson has essentially shared the job, with Hillman being the more effective option. The Chiefs’ run defense will take a hit with the loss of defensive end Allen Bailey, who is out because of a calf injury, but Jaye Howard, Dontari Poe and Mike DeVito still form a strong trio against the run. The Broncos’ running game has been largely inept, and the Chiefs held them to a meager 61 yards in 22 carries in Week 2.

When the Broncos pass

EDGE >> BRONCOS

The Chiefs rank ninth with 21 sacks, but Denver’s Peyton Manning does a good job out getting the ball out quickly behind an uneven offensive line. He’s only been sacked 13 times, ninth-fewest in the league. Demaryius Thomas has been a Chiefs killer over the last few years, and so has receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who caught the game-tying score in Week 2. Sanders is questionable because of an injury, but Manning has built a trust with tight end Owen Daniels (41 catches, 231 yards), and recently-acquired tight end Vernon Davis is expected to see his role expand this week. Manning is not nearly as productive as he used to be, but after his Week 2 comeback against the Chiefs, he gets the benefit of the doubt.

Special teams

EDGE >> BRONCOS

Denver kicker Brandon McManus boasts a better touchback percentage (68.2 to 53.3) and field goal percentage (95 to 80). But the Chiefs’ Dustin Colquitt has more punts inside the 20 than his brother, Britton (17 to 12), and far fewer return yards (89 to 152) in the same number of attempts. The Chiefs have a better kickoff return average, but the Broncos are better on punt returns, plus they have a touchdown. They also do a better job covering kickoffs, numbers-wise.

Coaching

EDGE >> BRONCOS

Andy Reid is a respected coach around the league, which makes his 0-5 record against Denver as the leader of the Chiefs fairly surprising. Gary Kubiak’s 68-64 record as a head coach is nothing to write home about, but his defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, has done an outstanding job and is perhaps the top assistant in the league.

X-factor

EDGE >> CHIEFS

The Chiefs can save their season with a win. Since 1990, 16 teams have made the playoffs after starting 4-5 record, while four have done so after starting 3-6 record. So there’s a big difference there, one the Chiefs have to know. Add that to the years if pent-up frustration that come with losing to Denver, and all the motivation in the world is there to spring an upset.

Bottom line: Broncos 27-24

The Chiefs have a chance to erase the memories of their bitter Week 2 loss to Denver. But given the way this series has gone in recent years, they have to prove they can beat the Broncos before they are given the benefit of the doubt.

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Chiefs-Broncos scouting report."