It’s no surprise that both the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers are performing at a high level this season. Both teams lead the AFC West and are on a solid path toward the playoffs-just as they were last season. The problem for Kansas City is that both teams currently sit above them in the standings.
The NFL is a ruthless league. Before Week 9, many believed the Chiefs were back on track and that Patrick Mahomes was the frontrunner for MVP. However, that loss to the Buffalo Bills – led by a brilliant Josh Allen – put Kansas City in trouble. They now sit outside the playoff picture, Drake Maye is the new MVP favorite, and the Chiefs’ season could slip away this Sunday.
The Denver Broncos may not be at their best offensively, but they’ve won eight games this season – seven in a row – and wins are wins. They also boast one of the league’s top defenses. Still, interestingly enough, the Chiefs remain betting favorites even though they’ll be on the road next Sunday.
Travis Kelce has great respect for the Denver Broncos
The Broncos’ offense has been criticized for its inconsistency. Since Week 9, they’ve averaged only 14 points and 245.5 total yards per game, ranking 28th in the NFL. However, their defense ranks second in the league, allowing just 11 points per game, and that’s been the key to their success – they’ve found ways to win.
Although quarterback Bo Nix – in only his second season – has faced criticism, Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce knows that the Broncos’ quarterback performs best under pressure: “And then, in those big moments, their offense keeps finding ways to win games. And Bo Nix, man, we’ve said it here before – when the pressure’s on, it seems like he turns into a different guy. So it’s going to be a four-quarter heavyweight battle. I’m ready for it. I love these kinds of games.”
And Kelce is right – Bo Nix looks his best when the game is on the line, and that’s one of the most valuable traits in such a competitive league. There’s a remarkable stat about Nix: when playing from behind, he has a 100.9 passer rating, with eleven touchdown passes and only one interception.
Patrick Mahomes holds a 13-1 record against the Broncos as the Chiefs’ quarterback, but this upcoming matchup might be the most important one yet. A loss could mark the end of Kansas City’s quest to win the AFC West – a division they’ve dominated for nine straight years.
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