AFC West superiority is once again on the line as the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs collide for the second time in a matter of weeks, this time in Kansas City’s very noisy Arrowhead Stadium.
The Broncos handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season in the previous encounter to draw level atop the division, where they are still deadlocked at 9-2 after both teams suffered very tough three-point losses.
Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs Betting Preview
When: December 1, 4:25 p.m. ET
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Odds:
As of November 26, 2013.
Money: Broncos (-175) vs. Chiefs (+155)
Spread: Broncos (-3.5) vs. Chiefs (+3.5)
Totals: 49.0
Betting on the Denver Broncos
Things could not have begun more swimmingly for the Broncos last Sunday against the New England Patriots.
The Denver defense forced three turnovers in the first three Pats possessions. Von Miller returned the first fumble for a touchdown before forcing another with a strip-sack on Tom Brady as the Broncos built a 24-0 lead by halftime. [sc:NFL240banner ]
However, the defense undid much of the good work it had built up by allowing 21 straight points in the third quarter as the Pats would eventually come back all the way to win 34-31 in overtime.
The defense had a poor half, but Peyton Manning had a poor game. In the cold conditions of Foxboro, the veteran QB had his worst performance of the season by far, with season lows in completion percentage, passing yards, and passer rating. Manning’s ineffectiveness was masked by running back Knowshon Moreno’s career day of 224 rushing yards.
Moreno suffered an ankle injury in the game, but could still draw in against the Chiefs. TE Julius Thomas is also set to return after missing the Pats game with a knee injury. On defense, cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suffered a shoulder injury, but veteran Champ Bailey could be set to return from a long-standing foot injury.
Will the Broncos deal the Chiefs a third successive defeat? Denver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games vs Kansas City. Bet now on the Denver Broncos.
Betting on the Kansas City Chiefs
The last undefeated team standing has suddenly dropped two straight after the road loss at Denver and a rare home loss to the San Diego Chargers in a 41-38 shootout.
The 41 points surrendered is by far a season-high for the Chiefs defense, which is dealing with injuries to two of its key players. Sack duo Justin Houston (elbow) and Tamba Hali (ankle) have been invaluable parts of the pass rush, with a combined 20 sacks between them this season. [sc:NFL240banner ]
However, the Chiefs have now played four straight games without recording more than one sack, including a shutout by the Broncos offensive line. They have also conceded over 400 total yards of offense in the last three weeks.
On the bright side, the much-maligned offense also put up a season-high 38 points against the Chargers. Alex Smith threw for a season-high 294 yards with a 68.4 completion rate and 3 TDs, while all-purpose back Jamaal Charles had 157 total yards (115 rushing, 42 receiving) and 2 TDs.
With Manning and Moreno struggling with injuries, Smith and Charles have a good chance of outperforming their Denver counterparts, thus giving the Chiefs a better shot at victory.
Can the Chiefs claw their way back to the top of the AFC West with a home win? Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home. Bet now on the Kansas City Chiefs.
