Broncos (6-5) at Chiefs (7-4)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
TV: NBC
Tipico Sportsbook line: Chiefs by 9 ⁄2
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Broncos’ keys to victory: Don’t let the Chiefs get ahead. The strength of Denver is the run and play-action passing game with a talented duo of backs in Melvin Gordon III and rookie Javonte Williams. If the Broncos allow Kansas City to take a decent lead, that strength goes out the window as they’ll be forced to throw the ball and play catch-up. The Chiefs would much rather put the balls in the hands of QB Teddy Bridgewater and force him to throw to win the game on the offense.
Chiefs’ keys to victory: Don’t turn the ball over or make mistakes on offense. The biggest detriment to the success of the K.C. offense this season has been uncharacteristic turnovers and penalties. This has been headlined by unlucky interceptions from QB Patrick Mahomes. Five of his interceptions have hit a receiver before they were picked off. Costly penalties have also stalled numerous offensive drives. The Denver defense has been opportunistic, so the Chiefs will need to play a clean game.
Matchup to watch: Broncos RT Cameron Fleming vs. Chiefs DE/LB Melvin Ingram. The Broncos are dealing with injury issues on the right side of their offensive line. Starter Bobby Massie was sidelined in Week 12, leaving Fleming to start against the Chargers. Ingram is coming off back-to-back games with a pair of pressures, but he’s still chasing his first sack in Kansas City.
Who wins? Home is a big advantage for a team coming off a bye and has a four-game winning streak.
Chiefs, 34-24