{"id":50057,"date":"2018-09-25T00:49:03","date_gmt":"2018-09-25T04:49:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=50057"},"modified":"2018-09-25T00:49:03","modified_gmt":"2018-09-25T04:49:03","slug":"denver-broncos-must-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/09\/25\/denver-broncos-must-defeat-kansas-city-chiefs\/","title":{"rendered":"Denver Broncos Must Defeat Kansas City Chiefs or AFC West Domination Is Over"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the Denver Broncos<\/a> first loss of 2018, it seems like last year\u2019s atrocious 5-11 season isn\u2019t necessarily history.<\/p>\n

Sure, it\u2019s a little soon to fret, but the Week Three loss against the Baltimore Ravens<\/a> was ugly. And it was a scary reminder of how the Broncos can be outclassed by teams that aren\u2019t even the favorites.<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos Must Defeat Kansas City Chiefs or AFC West Domination Is Over<\/strong><\/h1>\n

It\u2019s going to be a critical high-pressure Monday night primetime game and the Broncos will not want to be humiliated on home turf. Especially by the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a>, one of their biggest divisional rivals.<\/p>\n

The Bright Side<\/h2>\n

Mark Kiszla of the\u00a0Denver Post<\/a>\u00a0gave a friendly reminder that the Broncos are 2-1 and that only puts them one game behind the Chiefs in AFC West Standings.<\/p>\n

And If The Broncos Lose?<\/h2>\n

Their division hopes won\u2019t be dead just yet. Last season, the Chiefs were a spectacular 5-0 team until they lost six out of their next seven games. Kansas City has the propensity to start a season with a bang, only to stumble out at the end of it. Andy Reid<\/a><\/strong> is not a better coach than Vance Joseph<\/a><\/strong>, and that\u2019s saying something. It\u2019s still early in the season, so the top spot is anyone\u2019s to take.<\/p>\n

But Why Is Beating K.C. So Important?<\/h2>\n

In 2017, the Broncos had an eight-game losing streak that almost sent Joseph packing. After this game against the Chiefs, Denver\u2019s upcoming schedule is daunting \u2013 they aren\u2019t favored to win (except against the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>) until the first Sunday of November. Kansas City now has been named a five-point favorite when they visit Denver, so it\u2019s of the utmost importance that the Broncos win this one.<\/p>\n

Which Scheme Should Denver Be Working On?<\/h2>\n

To present an even bigger challenge to Denver, the Chiefs have been averaging 40 points a game. This means the Broncos will have to decide on which scheme is better. Strengthening the secondary in order to stop an almost unstoppable Patrick Mahomes<\/a><\/strong>. Or fortifying their shaky offense, which as yet shows no sign of improvement from the last two seasons.<\/p>\n

Lesser Turnovers, Penalties, and Some Good Pass Defense<\/h2>\n

K.C.\u2019s offense is so effective that even with their defense allowing 474 yards per game, they\u2019re still at 3-0. As always Denver needs to avoid those pesky turnovers and penalties (in other words, keep left tackle Garett Bolles<\/strong><\/a> in check). A revised pass defense plan will help the Broncos move the ball.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s still early in the season, but with a very challenging schedule from now until November, the Broncos need to secure a win against the Chiefs to help them get to the top of the AFC West – and stay there.<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>