WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater battled through a shin injury in a gusty performance in the win over the Chargers, and though he hasn’t racked up yardage, he’s remained consistent. Patrick Mahomes remains a worldbeater when he’s on, but has been turnover prone. Edge: Chiefs
Running back
The combination of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams paced the Broncos to victory last Sunday; Denver will continue to feed them both. Clyde Edwards-helaire is K.C.’S main tailback, but Darrel Williams also proved adequate when the former was injured. Edge: Even
Receiver/tight end
Bridgewater has no shortage of targets in Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, although Sutton has been quiet lately (five catches over last three games). K.C.’S Tyreek Hill is the league’s fast wideout, and Travis Kelce is the best tight end.
Edge: Chiefs Offensive line
Injuries/covid issues have forced lineup juggling; left tackle Garett Bolles is likely to return after contracting the virus. The Broncos’ reserves have been solid. Chiefs rookie center Creed Humprey has impressed, as has rookie right guard Trey Smith. Edge: Even
Defensive line
Shelby Harris missed last week (ankle injury) and is questionable to play Sunday. Dre’mont Jones and Mike Purcell have been effective against the run lately. Kansas City’s Frank Clark and Chris Jones (team-best 6.5 sacks) are dynamic passrushers. Edge: Chiefs
Linebacker/edge rusher
The Broncos have generated consistent pressure lately, with four straight multisack games, and Bradley Chubb might see a full workload after returning in Week 12. Nick Bolton leads the Chiefs with 79 tackles, while Anthony Hitchens doesn’t have a sack yet. Edge: Broncos
Secondary
Rookie Pat Surtain II, who’s emerged as one of Denver’s best players, is coming off his first multi-int game. Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons are anchors. Tyrann Mathieu is one of the NFL’S best ballhawks, but K.C.’S secondary is prone to breakdowns. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The Broncos’ coverage units continue to be poor, and Denver ranks last in kickoff return average against and kickoff return average. Kicker Brandon Mcmanus and punter Sam Martin have been solid. K.C.’S Harrison Butker is an above-average kicker. Edge: Even