Chiefs-Broncos Preview

SCOUTING REPORT

Running games, perimeter matchup take center stageThis divisional rivalry matches a team that is heading nowhere and has nothing to lose (Kansas City) against the team that has a three-game lead in the AFC West but is struggling to maintain that lead (Denver). The Broncos have been one of the least predictable teams in the NFL, beating the New York Jets on the road but losing to the Oakland Raiders at home. Denver's high-octane offense goes against one of the weakest defenses in the league while a potentially powerful Kansas City ground game faces a run defense that often gives up yards by the truckload.

· Full Scouting Report

Matchup
	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF
KAN	2-14	291	440	1-7	1-7	2-4	2-10
DEN	8-8	370	448	4-4	4-4	3-3	5-7
· Complete Standings

Individual Leaders

Kansas City Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Cassel 55.0 1720 12 6 Croyle 66.7 177 2 0

Denver Passing   CMP% YDS TD INT Orton 62.0 2202 11 5 Simms 29.4 23 0 1

Kansas City Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Johnso... 132 377 2.9 0 Charle... 64 313 4.9 1

Denver Rushing   CAR YDS AVG TD Moreno 142 600 4.2 2 Buckha... 73 399 5.5 1

Kansas City Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Bowe 33 466 14.1 4 Chambe... 10 249 24.9 2

Denver Receiving   REC YDS AVG TD Marsha... 52 628 12.1 6 Gaffne... 26 346 13.3 0

Full Player Stats: Kansas City | Denver

TEAM AVERAGES & NFL RANKS
TEAM OFFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Total Yards	KAN	309.0
	DEN	396.0
Yards Passing	KAN	195.6
	DEN	279.4
Yards Rushing	KAN	113.1
	DEN	116.4
TEAM DEFENSE	TEAM	PER GAME AVERAGE
Yards Allowed	KAN	393.2
	DEN	374.6
Pass Yds Allowed	KAN	234.3
	DEN	228.5
Rush Yds Allowed	KAN	158.9
	DEN	146.1

HEAD TO HEAD MATCHUPS (SINCE 2001)
Denver leads 10-6
Sep 28, 2008	KAN 33, @DEN 19
Dec 9, 2007	KAN 7, DEN 41
Nov 11, 2007	KAN 11, @DEN 27
Nov 23, 2006	KAN 19, @DEN 10
Sep 17, 2006	KAN 6, DEN 9
Dec 4, 2005	KAN 31, @DEN 27
Sep 26, 2005	KAN 10, DEN 30
Dec 19, 2004	KAN 45, @DEN 17
Nov 6, 2004	KAN 11, DEN 17
Sep 12, 2004	KAN 24, DEN 34
Dec 7, 2003	KAN 27, DEN 45
Oct 5, 2003	KAN 24, @DEN 23
Dec 15, 2002	KAN 24, DEN 31
Oct 20, 2002	KAN 34, @DEN 37
Dec 16, 2001	KAN 26, @DEN 23
Oct 7, 2001	KAN 6, DEN 20

The Denver Broncos looked like one of the favorites for the AFC title with the way they started the season, but a Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs sent them reeling.

The Broncos have since gotten their season back on track and built a commanding lead atop the AFC West.

Denver looks to move closer to its first playoff berth in three years and avenge its early season loss to the Chiefs when these division rivals meet Sunday at Invesco Field.

The Broncos (7-5) lead the AFC West by three games in the loss column over San Diego. The Chargers beat Oakland 34-7 on Thursday, meaning Denver will need to wait at least one more week to clinch its first division title since 2005.

"It's far from over," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "The thing that we're going to do is hopefully concentrate on the job at hand. We've got Kansas City in our backyard."

Although the Chiefs (2-10) are in the midst of a disappointing season, the Broncos can't afford to overlook them, as an ill-fated trip to Arrowhead Stadium earlier this fall sent them into a month-long slide.

The Broncos opened 3-0 before suffering a 33-19 loss at Kansas City on Sept. 28. Denver gained 446 yards, but turned the ball over four times. That was the first of four losses in five games for the Broncos, although they have won three of four since the slump.

The lone loss in the last four games was an embarrassing 31-10 defeat to Oakland on Nov. 23, after which Denver bounced back to defeat the AFC East-leading New York Jets 34-17 last Sunday at the Meadowlands.

"We've been unpredictable all year," Shanahan said. "Hopefully, we can get a little more predictable and play like we did (against the Jets)."

Quarterback Jay Cutler went 27-for-43 for 357 yards, two touchdowns and one interception last week. He has thrown for 1,020 yards in Denver's last three victories, while benefiting from a resurgent running game led by rookie Peyton Hillis.

The fifth tailback to start for Denver this season, Hillis rushed for a career-high 129 yards and a score on 22 attempts last week. He has run for 247 yards and four touchdowns on 49 carries since injuries forced him into the starting role three weeks ago.

"He is a smart kid, and I think we have used him effectively," Cutler said. "We haven't put him in the position where we have had to ask him to do things he can't do. He has stepped up to the challenge and has been fun to watch."

Hillis could be in for another big game this week when he faces the second-worst rush defense in the league (163.7 yards per game).

As Denver closes in on a division title and the opportunity to host a playoff game, it needs to re-establish home-field advantage.

After averaging 29.7 points while winning their first three home games, the Broncos have averaged just 14.7 points while losing their last three in Denver. They have never lost four straight games at Invesco Field, and have not dropped four consecutive home games in a single season since 1990.

The Broncos, though, have won seven straight home games over the Chiefs, and 21 of the last 25 meetings between the teams in Denver.

After beating the Broncos in September, Kansas City endured a seven-game losing streak that did not end until last Sunday's 20-13 victory over the Raiders. That game was just the second win in 21 games overall for the Chiefs, who snapped a nine-game road losing skid.

"It's a great win -- a big confidence boost," said rookie cornerback Maurice Leggett, who scooped up a fumble on a fake field goal attempt and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.

Chiefs coach Herm Edwards hopes his team can a letdown. The week after defeating the Broncos, Kansas City lost 34-0 to Carolina.

"I think, hopefully, they learned their lesson in the Carolina experience," Edwards said. "I think they'll respond."

Larry Johnson rushed for 92 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries last week in his third game back after missing one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy and being deactivated by the team for three contests.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back was instrumental in the Chiefs' win over the Broncos, running for a season-high 198 yards and two touchdowns on 28 attempts. Johnson has 621 rushing yards and five touchdowns in his last four games against the Broncos, who own the fifth-worst run defense in the league (144.3 ypg).

Slumping Broncos fighting among themselves

The Broncos have shown very little fight during their month of misery -- except on their own sideline.

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Chargers drub Broncos, grab AFC West lead

Philip Rivers and a dominant defense led the Chargers into sole possession of first place in the AFC West with a 32-3 drubbing of the Denver Broncos, who couldn't move the ball effectively behind either QB.

Wojciechowski: Broncos are orange slush

The Chargers' 32-3 rout of the Broncos continues Denver's decline from October AFC West leaders to wild-card long shots before Thanksgiving, Gene Wojciechowski writes.

'He runs a tight ship'

When Todd Haley was introduced as the Chiefs' new head coach in early February, he joked that he was trying to loosen up, if only for the day.

Safety alert: Mike Brown making free-agent visit to Kansas City

One safety with Chicago ties is expected to announce his retirement today. Another will look for a new place to continue his career.

Still no Waters or Vrabel at Chiefs practice, but LJ returns

The Chiefs began another week of optional team practices without two important pieces, and how Kansas City ends this week could foretell whether key players on offense and defense have a future with the team.

Chiefs adjust to new roles in new defense

Turk McBride still feels himself inching toward the defensive line, home for so long, and the comfort his old position would bring.

Clock ticking on Chiefs contract

The game of chicken between the Kansas City Chiefs and state government has yet to scare away potential builders of a summer training camp facility in St.

League won't punish Marshall

Brandon Marshall Issues remain for Brandon Marshall, but he no longer has to worry about a possible NFL suspension.

Broncos' Marshall has quick trip

As the Broncos restart their passing camp today at their Dove Valley headquarters, receiver Brandon Marshall will be in Orlando, Fla., where he will continue to rehabilitate after hip surgery.

Broncos' Marshall denies ever abusing ex-girlfriend

Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall defended himself Sunday on ESPN's "Outside the Lines," which detailed seven reported incidents of domestic violence.

Scheffler on board with Broncos' plan

A year after hobbling around Dove Valley with a foot injury, tight end Tony Scheffler is part of the Broncos' passing minicamp this season.

No Bronco escaped new coach's scrutiny

The old regime brought them in for a reason. They fit in specific offensive or defensive schemes, or had attributes the organization craved.