Chiefs v. Broncos
THE MATCH-UP
Kansas City and Denver will meet for the first time this season in an important AFC West contest for both squads as the Chiefs host the Broncos. The Chiefs remain in a first-place tie with San Diego atop the AFC West standings with a 4-4 record, but defeated the Chargers earlier this year by a 30-16 margin at San Diego (9/30). The Chiefs have won 10 of their last 12 meetings with Denver at Arrowhead and will be seeking to register their fifth consecutive home victory over their division rivals.
The Chiefs have rebounded from an 0-2 start to register victories in four of their last six contests. Kansas City is coming off a wild 33-22 home loss vs. Green Bay (11/4). Since the start of the ‘90 campaign, the Chiefs are 26-9 (.743) in their next game at Arrowhead following a home loss. Kansas City hasn’t lost back-to-back games at Arrowhead since 2004. After starting the season 2-0, Denver has lost five of its last six contests after suffering a 44-7 setback at Detroit (11/4).
Kansas City’s defense has been one of the primary reasons that the Chiefs are atop the AFC West standings. The Chiefs defense has allowed opposing offenses to score just 15.6 points per game, a mark that ranks fifth in the league. In terms of total points allowed, KC ranks ninth in the league, giving up 18.3 ppg. Meanwhile, Denver is 28th in that category, allowing 28.4 ppg. The Chiefs have held seven of their eight opponents to 20 points or less this season. Denver has been held to 20 points or less in each of its five losses. KC has permitted 14.0 ppg in its four wins and has allowed 22.5 ppg in its four setbacks. The Broncos have scored 23.0 ppg in their three wins, but have managed just 11.4 ppg in their five losses.
Offensively, QB Damon Huard owns a 5-2 record as a starter at Arrowhead. His two favorite targets this season have been TE Tony Gonzalez and rookie WR Dwayne Bowe. Gonzalez has 52 receptions and is on pace to break his team single-season record of 102 catches in 2004. Bowe has 29 receptions for 499 yards and is on schedule to establish new Chiefs rookie standards in both areas. Two-time Pro Bowl RB Larry Johnson suffered a foot sprain vs. Green Bay (11/4). If he is unable to play on Sunday, three-time Pro Bowl RB Priest Holmes could make his initial start in 742 days. Holmes’ last start came at San Diego (10/30/05).
