Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes has been the talk of the league through three weeks, throwing an NFL-record 13 touchdowns and no interceptions. Under his direction, the Chiefs lead the league in scoring with 39.3 points per game. But if Von Miller has anything to say about it, all that talk will end on Monday night. Miller's four sacks on the young season are tied for most in the NFL, and all of them took place at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Mahomes is athletic and has only been sacked four times this season, second-fewest in the league, so this matchup pits strength versus strength. "[Mahomes is] playing well," Head Coach Vance Joseph said Wednesday. "He's got a bunch of weapons, and again, they have a good scheme also. You combine a quarterback's arm talent with the skilled players he's throwing to and with Andy Reid's system, it makes it a tough out." Miller's ability to get to the quarterback can disrupt any game plan, though, and against a high-powered attack like Kansas City's, that could prove crucial.

One of the league's best cornerbacks takes on one of the league's most electrifying offensive talents in what should be a very entertaining matchup. Chris Harris Jr. is a smart, quick cornerback with the ability to stick with all types of receivers, and Tyreek Hill will certainly be a challenge if the two line up across from one another. One of the fastest players in the NFL, Hill leads the league with eight catches of at least 20 yards, and he's also an explosive punt returner. Harris and the rest of the defensive backs have done a good job slowing him down, though. In three games against the Broncos, Hill only has 90 receiving yards. But Hill has found his way to make an impact against Denver in other ways. He tallied 95 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 2016 matchup with the Broncos, and he added a punt-return touchdown in another meeting that season. The hosts will have to have a solid game plan to slow down one of Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets.

After spending his first four seasons with the Cowboys, Anthony Hitchens has gotten off to a strong start in his first year with the Chiefs. His 32 combined tackles are by far the most on the team. Hitchens has taken over the top inside linebacker position with Derrick Johnson now in Oakland, and he will likely be a busy man on Monday night against rookie running back Royce Freeman. With touchdowns in back-to-back games, Freeman has settled in nicely in the NFL, and the Broncos are third in the league in rushing. If Freeman can be effective and convert on third downs, he will help keep the Chiefs' high-powered offense on the sideline.

For as good as the Chiefs have been on offense, they've struggled at times on defense, surrendering 30.7 points per game, which is third-worst in the league. A big reason for that has been the absence of former All-Pro safety Eric Berry, who remains sidelined with a heel injury. Eric Murray has started in Berry's place and registered 20 combined tackles through three games. Broncos quarterback Case Keenum could look to take advantage of Berry's absence and push the ball down the field; the Chiefs are tied with the Buccaneers for the worst passing defense in the NFL.

Houston got off to a slow start the first two weeks of the season, but it looks like he's back in form after a two-sack performance against the 49ers last weekend. His 71.5 career sacks are fifth-most in Chiefs history, and his 22 sacks in 2014 were the second-most in NFL history. But Jared Veldheer should be up to the task. The veteran right tackle has drawn high praise in his first year with the Broncos, and his performance could be key in allowing Case Keenum to work the ball to his receivers downfield.