Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs: Week 2 Prediction

Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) is tackled by Denver Broncos strong safety Quinton Carter (38) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The AFC West is getting more interesting by the week. Two of the contenders in the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos are set to lock horns on Thursday night. Who comes away with the crucial win?

Injury News

C.J. Anderson plans to play through ankle problem

It was a physical affair for Denver in week 1 as both their running backs had trouble generating anything on the ground. C.J. Anderson caught the worst of it, tweaking his ankle in the win. Some fear the quick turnaround may force him to sit out, but the running back has said he has no intentions of doing so.

Tamba Hali limited by neck injury

The only notable ailment to cause a ruckus in Kansas City is a lingering neck problem that has kept veteran outside linebacker Tamba Hali limited in practice. There is no indication the injury will keep him off the field for Thursday night.

Key Matchups

Von Miller vs. Jah Reid

J.J. Watt is a tough assignment for any offensive linemen but things don’t get easier for Chiefs right tackle Jah Reid going into week 2. He’ll have to contend with Broncos superstar Von Miller who was all over Joe Flacco in the open with two hits and three pressures coming off the right side. Reid must try to hang tough.

Justin Houston vs. Ryan Harris

The same will go for Broncos right tackle Ryan Harris. After a long day of dealing with Elvis Dumervil, he’ll have to raise his game even higher to challenge reigning sack champion Justin Houston who was all over Brian Hoyer on Sunday with a sack and five pressures.

X-Factors

C.J. Anderson against Chiefs interior DL and LBs

Averaging 2.8 yards per carry probably wasn’t what Anderson had in mind against the Ravens. Head coach Gary Kubiak wants to run the football so don’t expect the Broncos to keep giving their Pro Bowl back touches in hopes of attacking that Chiefs defense. The problem is he’ll have to get past guys like Dontari Poe and Derrick Johnson to do it.

Travis Kelce against Broncos safeties

Houston had a devil of a time trying to stop Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who nailed them for two touchdowns. That same pressure will be on the Broncos secondary, particularly their new safeties in Darien Stewart, David Bruton and Omar Bolden. Kelce is a serious step up in competition for them from what they saw in week 1 against Baltimore.

Prediction: Chiefs win 17-14

It was clear that Peyton Manning is still off and so is the Broncos offense. Their defense and home field saved them that time, but on the road at Arrowhead against a Chiefs team that is playing some really good football lately? It’s hard to see them pulling it out.

Next: Oakland Raiders Gave Up Too Soon On Brice Butler

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL Draft