Chiefs-Broncos 5 questions: Is Sunday’s game really a playoff matchup?

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs face the Denver Broncos. We welcome Ian St. Clair of Mile High Report — our sister SB Nation site covering the Broncos— for Five Questions with the Enemy.

1. With the Broncos at 8-2, do their fans think they are a Super Bowl contender?

After their showing against the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football” — especially on offense, there is a sense that the sky is falling. While the Broncos got the win and improved to 8-2, fans aren’t buying into the offense. The defense is the best in the NFL, but fans feel like Denver can’t keep winning with the offense struggling through the first three quarters. Until the offense demonstrates that it can play consistently over four quarters, fans won’t feel that this is a true Super Bowl contender.

2. The offense has struggled through most games, with Bo Nix periodically making great plays to help the team win. Is he the quarterback the team needs, or will he be the reason the team fails?

Despite what some in the fan base think, Nix is the reason this team has achieved four fourth-quarter comebacks during its seven-game winning streak. He’s also going to be the quarterback who gets the team where it expects to be: an AFC West championship and a deep run in the playoffs. And it’s not just me who believes that. Sean Payton does, too. As long as Payton “Bolieves,” Broncos fans should, too. Can he play better? Absolutely. I also think he will.

3. Do you believe the Broncos and Chiefs have to treat Sunday’s matchup like a playoff game?

From the standpoint of the Broncos, Sunday’s game is the game. Based on the percentages, if Denver wins, it’ll likely win the AFC West.

Current division odds (via CBS Sports)

• Denver: 52.7%
• Kansas City: 22.4%

If Denver wins

• Denver: 70.6%
• Kansas City: 7.9%

If Kansas City wins

• Denver: 36.5%
• Kansas City: 35.2%

(basically a three-way tie, including the Chargers)

Based on that, this is the biggest game for the Broncos since Super Bowl 50.

4. If you could add one Chiefs player (not named Patrick Mahomes) to the Broncos, who would it be?

I’d like to see Chris Jones along the Broncos’ defensive front. The idea of him and Zach Allen together, on top of the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL — Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper — would be incredible to watch.

5. Despite a better record, the Broncos are the underdog on Sunday. What will they have to do to win this game?

I’m a little surprised at the spread — especially with how the Broncos defense has played against Mahomes and Kansas City in recent seasons. This is clearly based on the current showing of Denver’s offense. To win, Denver must play a clean game, minimizing penalties and winning the turnover battle; Mahomes and the Chiefs don’t need any help....