Game Plan
When the Broncos run
For one half last Sunday, it appeared Denver had found a boost to its running game. Justin Forsett, who made his first start with the Broncos, had 34 yards rushing on eight carries by halftime. But he rushed for only 3 yards in the second half, and the Broncos finished with a total of just 58. C.J. Anderson (knee injury) won’t be back this season. In a rainy, windy game, Denver needs to rev its ground game. The Chiefs have the NFL’s fifth-worst rushing defense. Edge: Even
When the Chiefs run
Spencer Ware appears to have hit a wall in his first year as the Chiefs’ lead running back. Kansas City’s running game is better (23rd) than the Broncos’ running game (27th), but not by much. Quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Tyreek Hill are also threats in the running game against Denver’s heavy man-toman pass coverage. Look for the Chiefs to frequently pound the ball. Edge: Chiefs
When the Broncos pass
Trevor Siemian has thrown for more than 255 yards in each of his last six starts; his passing has become the focal point of the Broncos’ offense. Denver is only 2-4 in that span, and its offensive struggles have more to do with the absence of a run game than with Siemian’s passing. Denver’s offensive line struggled to give Siemian time to throw in the last matchup of these teams. Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters is a playmaker to watch in the Chiefs’ secondary. Edge: Chiefs
When the Chiefs pass
Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said this is the best secondary he’s ever coached. They have the NFL’s top-ranked unit, giving up just 183 yards passing per game. This week, though, the Broncos’ defense is depleted, with safety T.J. Ward out with a concussion, linebacker Brandon Marshall still sidelined and defensive end Derek Wolfe fighting an illness. Tight end Travis Kelce is the Chiefs’ best receiving threat. Edge: Broncos