Broncos and Chiefs should be special

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By John McMullen, NFL Editor - Archive - Email


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<!-- BEGIN HEAD<strong>LINE</strong (1, 2 or 3 can be used) -->Broncos and Chiefs should be special <!-- END HEAD<strong>LINE</strong -->

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<!-- END PICTURE --> The Broncos' high powered offense will clash with the Chiefs' hard nose defense.

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Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Boxing people are fond of saying styles make fights.

Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward weren't the most technically sound pugilists in the world but their styles meshed together perfectly, leading to three wildly entertaining bouts and back-to-back Ring Magazine Fight of the Year designations in 2002 and 2003.

The clashes were so engaging Hollywood decided to chronicle Ward's story in "The Fighter," and cast A-list star Mark Wahlberg to portray Ward.

The NFL may be on the brink of one of those special rivalries when the game's best defense tries to slow down one of the most prolific offensive clubs of all-time.

So what wins in today's NFL, that high-powered offense or the stingy D?

You're about to find out on Sunday night when the AFC's immovable object meets its irresistible force as the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs visit the 8-1 Denver Broncos in the first of two matchups over the next three weeks.

The sequel is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1 in Kansas City.

The two teams' combined winning percentage of .944 (17-1) is the highest in a single game this late in an NFL season since Dec. 7, 1969 when the 11-0 Los Angeles Rams faced the 10-1 Minnesota Vikings.

The Chiefs, who are coming off a bye in Week 10, are the first team in the four major North American professional sports leagues to start a season 9-0 after finishing with the worst record in the previous year.

And that turnaround has been fueled by a defense which has allowed a league- low 111 points and is the first club since 1934 to start 9-0, and not allow more than 17 points in any of its first nine contests.

The high-powered Denver offense, meanwhile, has scored 371 points, the most ever through the first nine games of a season.

Leading the way of course is quarterback Peyton Manning, who has passed for 33 touchdowns, tied with Tom Brady (2007) for the most through this point of a campaign.

"We have a ton of respect for their offense, for Peyton (Manning), for the things that they've accomplished this year," Chiefs first-year coach Andy Reid said. "We understand all of that. They've done a great job. It's important that we prepare ourselves to play a good football team. I think it's two good football teams playing each other. I think it's a good defense playing a good offense and that's what this is all about."

"It's a big game," added Broncos interim head coach/defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. "It's a divisional game against the team we're chasing right now."

Last week Manning passed for 330 yards and four touchdowns as Denver held on to beat San Diego 28-20 and get its first win under Del Rio, who is subbing for the convalescing John Fox as the veteran mentor recovers from an aortic heart valve replacement.

Manning, who was reported to be nursing two ankle sprains last month, tweaked his ankle late in he game, however, and had an MRI exam Monday which revealed an aggravation of a high right ankle sprain but no new damage.

When asked if Manning is still a definite to start early in the week, Del Rio said, "No doubt."

By Wednesday Manning confirmed "he'll be ready to roll on Sunday."

"Yeah. They're not going to Wednesday games yet, are they?" the four-time MVP deadpanned. "I was able to go to the walk-through but spent the rest of the time getting some treatment and was a part of all the meetings to get a head start on the mental aspect of things heading into this weekend."

Manning, who isn't the most mobile guy when he's at 100 percent, will be facing a defense which has amassed an NFL-best 36 sacks thanks in large part to its two edge pass rushers, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.

Manning has always combated his lack of speed and elusiveness with a lightning-quick release, along with the smarts to understand where blitzes are coming from and who the hot read is.

"I think (Manning's) been a guy that has maximized his abilities in every area," said Del Rio. "I think you look at mentally, physically -- the guy maxes out in everything he does. He's ultra-competitive. Getting the ball out, knowing where to go and all those things are a part of it. He's done it as well as anybody."

Despite the absence of All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, the Broncos have only allowed 13 sacks, the second fewest in the league. However, eight of them have come in the past three games as Clady's replacement, journeyman Chris Clark, has struggled.

At some point the cumulative effect of some of the hits Manning has been taking could add up and if he is slowed even further by the ankle injury, it's conceivable Houston and Hali could have a field day racing toward a stationary target in the backfield.

"We're definitely on high alert in wanting to protect our quarterback," said Del Rio. "We didn't do it as well as we could (against the Chargers), and we have an even greater challenge this week in the team that's sacked quarterbacks more than anyone in this league."

Manning's counterpart is Alex Smith, a signal caller who certainly isn't explosive but is well-versed in what it takes to win in this league.

Since 2011 Smith is 28-5-1 as a starter and he became the first QB in the Super Bowl era to win his first nine outings with a new team when the Chiefs topped Buffalo in Week 9.

"They had good quarterbacks last year, but Alex Smith -- he's special," Broncos star pass rusher Von Miller said. "He brings a different element to the offense."

Kansas City's biggest offensive threat, however, remains dual-threat running back Jamaal Charles, who averages an AFC-best 123.8 scrimmage yards per game and generally brings it against Denver.

Charles is averaging 115.2 rushing yards per game in his last five games against the Broncos and ran for a career-best 259 yards in the Rockies on Jan. 3, 2010.

"To me he's one of the top three backs in the league with his speed and his vision for finding holes to rush up through there," Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard said when discussing Charles. "He's going to be a challenge but we definitely welcome it."

Adding to the intrigue is Reid's historical success after the bye week. His teams in Philadelphia won 13 straight after the off-week until finally falling to then-unbeaten Atlanta last season.

"I've been blessed with good players and good coaches," Reid said. "I don't know if there's a secret to that. If there is, I can't give it to you."

The Chiefs haven't been in action since topping Buffalo, 23-13, on Nov. 3.

Cornerback Sean Smith came up with a tide-turning 100-yard interception return touchdown in that one, and Hali took a fumble back 11 yards for a go-ahead score in the fourth as the Chiefs rallied past the banged-up Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

"We never panic, not even for one second," said Chiefs safety Kendrick Lewis. "We always go in knowing that someone on our defense is going to make a play. That's how we believe in each other. No matter who it may be, someone will come up with a play."

Things weren't all peaches and cream for Kansas City during the time off, though. The team's top receiver, Dwayne Bowe, was arrested last weekend on charges of speeding and possession of marijuana.

A court date of Dec. 18 has been set for Bowe, who will play this week despite his troubles because the league's CBA does now allow for the suspension of a player until the legal process plays out.

"There are rules and regulations put in place and we'll abide by the rules and regulations, and we'll make sure we take all of the information that comes out as it goes through the process," Reid said.

Logic says Reid may be facing a similar untenable matchup post-bye for the second straight year and as long as Manning stays upright, look for the Broncos to deadlock things atop the AFC West before the Chiefs rebound and hold serve in K.C. down the road.

That should leave you foaming at the mouth for Round 3 come January, and wondering whether Wahlberg will be available to play Manning in the movie.

"This is what we live for," Woodyard said of Sunday night's game. "I'm excited to get a chance to play these guys. We've heard a lot of build up throughout the whole season and now it's time."

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NFL Preview - Kansas City (9-0) at Denver (8-1)




By John McMullen, NFL Editor

(SportsNetwork.com) - What wins in today's NFL, offense or defense?
You're about to find out on Sunday night when the AFC's immovable object meets its irresistible force as the 9-0 Kansas City Chiefs visit the 8-1 Denver Broncos in the first of two matchups over the next three weeks.

The sequel is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1 in Kansas City.
The two teams' combined winning percentage of .944 (17-1) is the highest in a single game this late in an NFL season since Dec. 7, 1969 when the 11-0 Los Angeles Rams faced the 10-1 Minnesota Vikings.
The Chiefs, who are coming off a bye in Week 10, are the first team in the four major professional sports leagues to start a season 9-0 after finishing with the worst record in the previous year. Kansas City has allowed a league- low 111 points and is the first club since 1934 to start 9-0, and not allow more than 17 points in any of its first nine contests.

The high-powered Denver offense, meanwhile, will try to solve the Chiefs' stingy D. The Broncos have scored 371 points, the most ever through the first nine games of a season. Leading the way of course is quarterback Peyton Manning, who has passed for 33 touchdowns, tied with Tom Brady (2007) for the most through this point of a campaign.

"It's a big game," said Broncos interim head coach/defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. "It's a divisional game against the team we're chasing right now."
"They've got a good football team," countered Chiefs first-year head coach Andy Reid."They've got good players and good coaches and that's normally a pretty good formula."
Last week Manning passed for 330 yards and four touchdowns as Denver held on to beat San Diego 28-20 and get its first win under Del Rio, who is subbing for the convalescing John Fox as the veteran mentor recovers from an aortic heart valve replacement.
Manning connected with Demaryius Thomas on three of his touchdown passes and Julius Thomas took the other one 74 yards. Demaryius finished with seven catches for 108 yards, Julius had three grabs for 96 and Knowshon Moreno rushed for 65 yards on 15 carries.

After Demaryius Thomas scored three straight touchdowns to help Denver build a 28-6 lead in the third quarter, the Chargers got a pair of touchdowns to make it a game but a final drive ended in a punt.
Manning, who was 25-of-36, helped the Broncos kill off the remaining time with a 9-yard pass to Thomas on the left side on 2nd-and-7. The veteran quarterback came up limping on the play, however, after Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget tackled him low.

Manning, who was reported to be nursing two ankle sprains last month, had an MRI exam Monday which revealed an aggravation of a high right ankle sprain but no new damage.
When asked if Manning is still a definite to start against the Chiefs on Sunday night, Del Rio said, "No doubt."

By Wednesday Manning confirmed "he'll be ready to roll on Sunday."

"Yeah. They're not going to Wednesday games yet, are they?" the four-time MVP deadpanned. "I was able to go to the walk-through but spent the rest of the time getting some treatment and was a part of all the meetings to get a head start on the mental aspect of things heading into this weekend."
The Chiefs, meanwhile, haven't been in action since topping Buffalo, 23-13, on Nov. 3.
Sean Smith came up with a tide-turning 100-yard interception return touchdown in that one, and Tamba Hali took a fumble back 11 yards for a go-ahead score in the fourth as the Chiefs rallied past the banged-up Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Ryan Succop kicked three critical field goals to help Kansas City remain unbeaten despite being outgained by a 470-210 margin in total yards. Jamaal Charles added 90 yards on 17 carries in the victory.

"We never panic, not even for one second," said Chiefs safety Kendrick Lewis. "We always go in knowing that someone on our defense is going to make a play. That's how we believe in each other. No matter who it may be, someone will come up with a play."
Things weren't all peaches and cream for Kansas City during the bye, though. The team's top receiver, Dwayne Bowe, was arrested last weekend on charges of speeding and possession of marijuana.
According to a press release from the Riverside (Mo.) Police Department, Bowe was pulled over for speeding shortly before midnight on Nov. 10 and a K-9 officer detected the strong odor of marijuana. The dog then found two containers with 6.6 grams and 3.8 grams of marijuana in a black bag that appeared to belong to Bowe, whose wallet was inside the bag.
A court date of Dec. 18 has been set for Bowe, who is expected to play his week despite his troubles because the league's CBA does now allow for the suspension of a player until the legal process plays out.

"There are rules and regulations put in place and we'll abide by the rules and regulations, and we'll make sure we take all of the information that comes out as it goes through the process," Reid said. "That's where we're going with it."
"I addressed him, had that opportunity to talk to him, and I'll leave it at that. There are laws, rules and regulations, and I'll leave it at that."
The Chiefs lead their all-time series with Denver by a 56-49 margin but the Broncos have won the past two encounters and six of the last nine.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Manning, who isn't the most mobile guy when he's at 100 percent, will be facing a defense which has amassed an NFL-best 36 sacks thanks in large part to its two edge pass rushers, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Manning has always combated his lack of speed and elusiveness with a lightning-quick release, along with the smarts to understand where blitzes are coming from and who the hot read is.
Despite the absence of All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady, the Broncos have only allowed 13 sacks, the second fewest in the league. However, eight of them have come in the past three games as Clady's replacement, journeyman Chris Clark, has struggled.
At some point the cumulative effect of some of the hits Manning has been taking could add up and if he is slowed even further by the ankle injury, it's conceivable Houston and Hali could have a field day racing toward a stationary target in the backfield.
"(Manning) will definitely play this week so that's good news," said Del Rio, "We're definitely on high alert in wanting to protect our quarterback. We didn't do it as well as we could (against the Chargers), and we have an even greater challenge this week in the team that's sacked quarterbacks more than anyone in this league."
Manning's counterpart is Alex Smith, a signal caller who certainly isn't explosive but is well-versed in what it takes to win in this league.
Since 2011 Smith is 28-5-1 as a starter and became the first QB in the Super Bowl era to win his first nine outings with a new team when the Chiefs topped Buffalo.
Kansas City's biggest offensive threat, however, remains dual-threat running back Jamaal Charles, who averages an AFC-best 123.8 scrimmage yards per game and generally brings it against Denver.
Charles is averaging 115.2 rushing yards per game in his last five games against the Broncos and ran for a career-best 259 yards in the Rockies on Jan. 3, 2010.

OVERALL ANALYSIS
Reid's teams have been historically brilliant when returning from byes. While in Philadelphia, "Big Red" won 13 straight after the bye week until finally falling to then-unbeaten Atlanta last season.
He faces a similar untenable matchup this time around, however, and as long as Manning stays upright, look for the Broncos to deadlock things atop the AFC West before the Chiefs hold serve in Kansas City down the road.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Broncos 27, Chiefs 14 11/14 13:35:50 ET
 
Old School

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James Hernandez, Contributor to FOXSports.com

James Hernandez has more than 15 years in the sports handicapping industry and will contribute weekly for FOXSports.com as our betting expert. Have comments or questions? Make sure to email him at jameshernandez1981@gmail.com.

Denver Broncos (-7.5) over Kansas City Chiefs
4_20131113191353857_0_0.JPG

Sorry Andy, but your team?s run of feasting on helpless backup quarterbacks is about to come to a screeching halt.

This vaunted Chiefs defense is about to receive its first test of the season traveling to the Mile High City in a matchup with the great Peyton Manning. The chip on Denver?s shoulder is now more like a boulder and you can bet they are sick of hearing about a Chiefs defense that is only surrendering 12.3 points per game and how they have what it takes to shut down a Denver offense that has been putting up video game numbers all season long.

As good as Kansas City?s defense is, they will be forced to pick their poison when dealing with the impressive offensive weapons the Broncos feature in both the passing and running game.

Manning has made a habit of starting fast and if he executes that plan against game manager Alex Smith it will put him in an unfamiliar spot of having to play catch up and let?s face it, if the Chiefs offense gets caught trying to match the Broncos score for score they will get blown right out of the building.

Don?t be surprised if Denver gets out of the gate early and even styles a few scores just to let everyone know who the ?real? best team in the NFL is. Even if Peyton and company are downplaying the idea of this being a statement game, it will not prohibit them from making one of the biggest statements in league to date as the Broncos win this one by at least two touchdowns and prove that the Chiefs defense is human after all.






 
Old School

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latest from some of the good folks who help keep the door open


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20:30 Kansas City at Denver
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More Betting (69)

  • Kansas City +7.5 -110
  • Denver -7.5 -110
Moneyline
  • Kansas City +265
  • Denver -335
Over/Under
  • Over +50.0 -110
  • Under +50.0 -110



1vice
Nov 17
421
KC CHIEFS
+7?-105<input name="text_" type="checkbox" value="0_691151_7.5_-105">
o49-110<input name="text_" type="checkbox" value="2_691151_-49_-110">
+280<input name="text_" type="checkbox" value="4_691151_0_280">
8:30 PM
422
DEN BRONCOS
-7?-115<input name="text_" type="checkbox" value="1_691151_-7.5_-115">
u49-110<input name="text_" type="checkbox" value="3_691151_49_-110">
-340

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