The Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 10 of the NFL season 8-0 and are preparing to face the 5-4 Denver Broncos for the first time this season. The game will take place at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and it will be the Chiefs’ first early afternoon kickoff time of the season, with the game set for 1 p.m. EDT.
Dating back to Week 17 of last season, the Kansas City Chiefs have been building on a winning streak. It currently stands at 14 straight games without a loss, setting a new franchise record of consecutive victories. Heading into this week’s matchup, Kansas City will look to add to their history and face a team they last met in Week 8 last season. The Broncos surprised the Kansas City Chiefs, handing them a 24-9 loss.
The upset ended a six-game win streak they were on before the game. It also ended a 16-game winning streak the Chiefs had over the Broncos which spanned from 2015 to 2023 and began a bit of a rough stretch for them moving forward. Kansas City would go on to only win three of their last eight games.
Kansas City Chiefs Passing Game vs. Denver’s Defense
Patrick Mahomes has started to finally get going these past few weeks, having his best game of the season on Monday night against the Bucs. Mahomes finished with 291 yards passing and three touchdowns, and his first zero-interception game of the season. However, this week he faces a challenging test against Denver’s sixth-ranked pass defense, which allows just 186.6 yards per game. In the past Denver’s secondary has given Mahomes problems.
In 13 games against the Broncos, Mahomes has 11 interceptions, in the Kansas City Chiefs’ last four meetings Mahomes has thrown at least one to Denver. The Broncos secondary for the most part this season has been able to keep quarterbacks in check and limit big plays. The Chiefs’ offense remains one of the league’s best, especially in recent weeks as new additions to the team are beginning to gel with one another.
Mahomes leads an offense that ranks 10th in passing yards, averaging 230.1 yards per game. Kansas City’s offensive scheme has been effective, partly due to Mahomes’ ability to make quick adjustments against various defensive fronts. Additionally, the Chiefs’ receiving corps, featuring talents like Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman, Justin Watson, and newest addition DeAndre Hopkins has been able to step up and make the must-have plays whenever they have been necessary. This is something the Kansas City Chiefs will look to continue to do this week against a stingy Denver defense.
Ground Game: Chiefs’ Rushing Attack vs. Denver’s Defense
Kansas City’s running game ranks 14th in the league, averaging 122.4 rushing yards per game. Facing Denver’s ninth-ranked run defense, which concedes 108.7 rushing yards per game, will be a test for the Chiefs’ offensive line. However, despite this fact, the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to consistently have a respectable run game throughout the season. Although Denver’s front has indeed consistently clogged running lanes, making it difficult for opponents to establish a rhythm on the ground KC will look to have success.
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City’s top running back at this point of the season since their No. 1 running back heading into the year Isiah Pacheco is still on injured reserve has played well. He is coming off his highest rushing yards total of the season (106). Hunt has been good a fit for Kansas, given his familiarity and experience with the Kansas City Chiefs he has been able to play off Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing game perfectly. With his ground game and the help of their dominant interior offensive line, Hunt has been able to provide Kansas City with a balanced attack offensively, something that will be key against the Broncos.
Keeping this defense off balance will be crucial since they are on a team always big-play hunting on defense, as they currently sit with seven interceptions on the year which is tied for fifth most in the NFL. Then given the Chiefs’ track record this season they have turned the ball over in every game this season. This makes having a consistent run game even more important, and with Hunt going to be receiving most of those carries. The Kansas City Chiefs can lean on their dependable back who has shown he can pick up those tough yards in short-yardage situations and is not known to be a player to put the ball at risk.
Chiefs’ Defense: Containing Denver’s Offense
Kansas City’s defense has been exceptional this season, ranking third-best in the league with just 83.9 rushing yards allowed per game. Denver’s offense, led by rookie Quarterback Bo Nix, will have their work ahead of them against a stout Chiefs’ defensive front, which has consistently stifled rushing attacks. Nix, although notoriously known for his talent with his arm, also has the mobility that can add another dimension to their offense. That is something the Kansas City Chiefs defense will have to prepare for.
In addition to their run defense, Kansas City ranks fifth in limiting yards per play. This efficiency will be critical as the Chiefs’ defense looks to bounce back from their performance on Monday night and limit Nix’s options. Kansas City’s pass rush, headlined by Chris Jones, may prove to be a game-changer. In recent weeks, the Chiefs’ pass rush has not only been able to reach opposing quarterbacks but also get them to the ground, a trend this defensive front will look to continue this week.
This then brings up Denver’s offensive line which gave up a season-high four sacks last week against the Ravens. This group is going to have to withstand Kansas City’s defensive pressure, especially on third downs. If the Kansas City Chiefs can eliminate the threat of Denver’s run game and make them into a pass-heavy offense it will play directly into their favor and allow them to capitalize on Denver’s youth with their secondary.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs Week 10 matchup with the Broncos brings another opportunity to reinforce their dominance in the AFC West. Maintaining a balanced offensive attack, while leveraging their defensive strengths, will be key in this divisional matchup. With an undefeated record on the line, and Kansas City looking to avenge their most recent loss against this team, this game is lining up to be a good one.
As the Kansas City Chiefs seek to extend their foothold over the AFC, this game serves as another test for Mahomes and the defense. A victory would push Kansas City closer to securing their playoff position. However, this week the Kansas City Chiefs are focused on building from their last performance, avoiding costly errors, and playing smart, clean football to keep their undefeated season intact.
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