Chiefs Square Off vs Broncos in AFC West Showdown

Tonight, the Kansas City Chiefs look to defend their kingdom against Russell Wilson and the 1-4 Broncos. Both teams enter week six on different ends of the NFL spectrum. Coming off a win, Kansas City shows no sign of taking their foot off the gas. Sadly for Denver, they can't say the same. Head Coach Sean Payton's team will look to rebound tonight after a brutal loss to the Jets.

Denver Broncos:

Denver is unquestionably facing an uphill battle against the Chiefs tonight. Denver's defense has allowed 36 points a game this season, including an embarrassing 70-20 loss to the Dolphins. Despite that game inflating the averages, Denver has managed to hold a team to less than 20 points once this season. That one game was week one of the season against the Raiders, which to date is their only win on the year. If Denver wants any chance to win tonight, getting ahold of Patrick Mahomes has to be a priority. Denver can't hang with the Chief's offense, and if this game turns into a shootout it will not end in Denver's favor.

Last year's significant acquisition and Denver's leader, Russell Wilson, has bounced back from last year's horrendous season. Wilson has posted 11 passing touchdowns with only two interceptions this year. This a much-needed improvement through only five weeks, compared to the previous year's 16 touchdown 11 interception effort. Sean Payton made it clear he wanted more out of Russell, and while it may not be perfect, it is an improvement. Payton's comments on former Broncos Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett's coaching job should be heavily criticized if the former Saints coach doesn't see success soon. Denver is managing a little over 100 rushing yards a game. The rushing attack will be pivotal in keeping Pat Mahomes and company on the sideline while getting consistent second/third and short situations.

Kansas City:

Travis Kelce is expected to play tonight which, of course, is a positive for KC. Mahomes' top weapon should see heavy action again tonight, especially with Taylor Swift rumored to be in attendance. For the rest of the KC offense, some of these Wide Receivers must make plays when called upon. Kadarius Toney, in particular, should look to have his first significant impact of the season tonight versus a struggling Broncos defense. Second-year running Running Back Isiah Pacheco has had a great start to his sophomore campaign. Averaging 4.6 yards per carry while scoring a touchdown each of the past three weeks, expect Pacheco to be fed accordingly tonight.

While there is much to say about Pat Mahomes and the Chief's dynamic offense, there is also plenty to mention about the success of this defense. Kansas City allows just 16 points per game this year, tied for 5th lowest in the NFL. Their speedy front, mixed with athleticism on the back end, creates a dynamic attack on defense. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prioritizes blitzes in his scheme, and with the talent he has on this year's squad they have wreaked havoc. This defense will look to get after Russell Wilson tonight and create turnovers off the veteran QB.

Prediction: Chiefs win 30- 17

There are no surprises here; this Broncos team does not have the talent to hang with its AFC West rival. As I see it, if this game gets blown open by the Chiefs, I can't see the Broncos managing to stay toe to toe with them. The Russell Wilson and Sean Payton era may have just begun in Denver, but with a loss tonight, this season may be a lost cause.