The Denver Broncos’ playoff hopes are fading as their performances have dipped in recent weeks. They are now 2-4 in their last six games after another sloppy showing in a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Their only wins during that time were against the Saints – which needed a fluky two-point return off a blocked extra point – as well as the terrible Jaguars.
The Broncos will need to win their two remaining games – at Kansas City and at home to Oakland – and hope a couple more results break their way to make the postseason. Arrowhead is a tough place to play, but the Broncos’ record in that building should inspire a lot of confidence in their ability to come away with a win. Denver is 6-1 straight-up and against the spread in its last seven trips to Kansas City.
The Broncos defense is always capable of keeping the team in the game. The unit has held each of its last three opponents to 16 points or fewer. They also forced the great Tom Brady into his worst game of the season. Brady went just 16-of-32 for 188 yards and no touchdowns.
However, the offense just hasn’t performed well enough recently. That was the case against the Titans, where they could only score 10 points and committed two turnovers, and had three more giveaways against the Pats.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ luck finally ran out in their 19-17 loss at home to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Chiefs defense forced three more turnovers, but their offense failed to capitalize on a couple of trips to the red zone, which cost them dearly. The loss drops the Chiefs to 10-4, with their hopes of claiming the AFC West title – and a top-two seed in the AFC – taking a huge hit.
The good news for the Chiefs is that wide receiver Jeremy Maclin had his best game of the season after struggling with a groin injury. He caught six passes for 82 yards against the Titans, both of which are season-highs. Breakout rookie star Tyreek Hill was held without a catch for the first time this season, but he did break out another big play with a 68-yard rushing touchdown against Tennessee.
Reek will relish meeting the Broncos again. It was in their first meeting in Denver when Hill became the first player since Gale Sayers to score a rushing, receiving, and return touchdown.
The Chiefs defense had some problems containing the Broncos, who reeled off a bunch of big pass plays. This Broncos offense has been struggling in recent games, though. Denver has scored just 13 total points over its last two games. Look for some significant improvement in this upcoming meeting from a Chiefs D which has held its last two opponents to under 20 points.
The Chiefs are 8-2 in their last 10 home games, but are just 2-8 ATS. Meanwhile, the UNDER has gone 9-1 in those games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Chiefs (-3.5) complete the season sweep over the Broncos with a 17-10 home win.
