Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Chiefs
If the Broncos are to come away with a win on Sunday night, they may need to gain the advantage in these five matchups. (Photos by AP).
The Broncos stayed away from Peters in the first game, as quarterback Trevor Siemian targeted receivers he covered just three times. But Siemian still found ways to get Sanders involved as he recorded a 368-yard performance with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Sanders wound up with a team-high 162 yards, seven receptions and a touchdown.
Miller had perhaps his most-productive game of the season when the Broncos saw the Chiefs in November. He got to Smith for three sacks and four tackles for loss. He also made an impact in the run game, as he recorded nine solo tackles. Smith didn't put together his finest performance against the Broncos — he finished 26-of-44 for 220 yards and a touchdown — but he didn't turn the ball over. If Miller can force him into a bad decision or knock the ball out, the Broncos' chances at a win will skyrocket.
Houston had a dominant performance in his first game against the Broncos as he recorded three sacks and five tackles for loss. Though he lined up against the Broncos' right tackle for most of the previous contest, left tackle Russell Okung will need to handle his business when he's up against the talented pass rusher.
There may not be a player more dangerous in all of the NFL than Tyreek Hill. The rookie scored a rushing, receiving and punt return touchdown against the Broncos the last time the two teams met, and the Broncos will be focused on keeping the ball out of his hands this time around. If he does get the ball on a kickoff or punt return, Kayvon Webster may have the best chance of bringing him down. Webster may be the Broncos' most-exceptional special teams player, and he tends to make at least one big tackle per game. He'll need to keep Hill out of open space to ensure the Broncos don't wind up in another hole.
As T.J. Ward works his way back from concussion protocol, Darian Stewart may find himself with a larger role in containing tight end Travis Kelce. The Chiefs' big target in the middle of the field ended up with eight receptions for 101 yards, including a big catch and run at the end of overtime that put the Chiefs in field-goal range. Stewart missed a tackle on that play and will try to hold Kelce more in check during this week's matchup.
