Broncos vs Chiefs preview: Denver aims for monster win

This is the biggest Denver Broncos game since Super Bowl 50.

Period.

Full stop.

Sean Payton, Bo Nix, and the Broncos (8-2) can take a huge step toward dethroning Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) in the AFC West. The Chiefs have won the AFC West nine straight seasons. A division-leading Denver win on Sunday increases its percentage of an AFC West title this season.

In the process, the Broncos can prove that, yes, they are indeed for real and are legitimate contenders.

FanDuel Sportsbook doesn’t think Denver will get the victory on Sunday, however. The Broncos are a +3.5-point home underdog to their rivals this Sunday. The total sits at over/under 44.5 points, with a lean towards the under at -115.

Offensive Rankings

Kansas City: Seventh in total offense (370.1 yards per game), 12th in rushing offense (121.2 YPG), fifth in passing offense (248.9 YPG), ninth in scoring offense (26.1 points per game).

Denver: Thirteenth in total offense (334.6 yards per game), ninth in rushing offense (128.6 YPG), 18th in passing offense (206.0 YPG), 17th in scoring offense (23.5 points per game).

Defensive Rankings

Kansas City: Sixth in total defense (291.8 yards per game), 12th in rushing defense (104.6 YPG), seventh in passing defense (187.2 YPG), fourth in scoring defense (17.7 points per game).

Denver: Third in total defense (270.7 yards per game), fourth in rushing defense (91.2 YPG), sixth in passing defense (179.5 YPG), third in scoring defense (17.3 points per game).

Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.

Start fast offensively, and just win the game

It’s no secret that Nix and the offense have struggled through the first three quarters in games this season. In their most recent outing, the Broncos offense struggled through all four quarters. Denver needs to start fast on Sunday, if nothing else, than to just build some confidence. Take the first drive down the field for a touchdown. Mile High is going to be rocking on Sunday as it is, feed into that with a first-drive touchdown. Put Mahomes and the Chiefs back on their heels. From there, just win the darn game. Whatever it takes. However the Broncos have to do it. Win this game. — Ian St. Clair

Play uptempo on offense

The offense operates more effectively when the plays are called quickly and the team moves efficiently. Take away the pressure on Nix to be perfect and go into something akin to a hurry-up offense. Don’t limit the playbook, but move faster. — Adam Malnati

Stop stinking up the place on offense

I don’t know how or what you should do, Denver. But my advice is to stop looking like hot garbage for most of every game and see how that works. Yes, I’m still annoyed by the lack of NFL-caliber execution on offense. At least the defense is good, though! — Tim Lynch

Limit the mistakes and penalties

Last week against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday...