Five Key Matchups: vs. Chiefs
Five matchups between the Broncos and the Chiefs that could be telling in Sunday's outcome.
Fourth-year tackle Jeff Allen has returned to the Chiefs' starting lineup in the past two games, moving Eric Fisher to left tackle. Allen, who started in 27 games in his first two years in the NFL, played in just one game in 2014 but has been a refreshing part of the Chief's success on the ground in recent weeks. Despite the loss of running back Jamaal Charles, Allen has been able to help Kansas City continue in his path with backup RB Charcandrick West. Also, in Allen's 133 snaps so far, he has yet to allow a sack on QB Alex Smith, who has been sacked 28 times. Miller will give him his biggest challenge yet, and should Allen give up any pressure, it could be disastrous for Kansas City, who had five turnovers against the Broncos in Week 2.
In the wake of Aqib Talib's one-game suspension, the second-year corner will get his fourth start of his career — though he's seen starter's snaps in the team's sub-packages. Roby's been just as liable to force turnovers and impact plays on defense as anyone, however. Expect him to see some snaps against the Chiefs' top threat, WR Jeremy Maclin, who has 566 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season. Maclin's been able to open up the middle of the field with TE Travis Kelce, so if they've got their passing game clicking, Maclin will see his share of targets.
Sanders has been hobbled with an ankle injury recently, but it hasn't stopped him from making an impact, as we saw against Indianapolis with his 64-yard touchdown. Rookie Marcus Peters might match up against him as a speedier, smaller corner, but Sanders has the experience advantage. Peters has been a solid rookie, however, with 11 passes defensed, three interceptions, one touchdown and 38 combined tackles (35 solo), but he's also given up seven touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus.
Houston can be one scary dynamo, especially as a pass rusher. He has 5.5 sacks so far, and will be the toughest test for Schofield yet. The young tackle has emerged as a promising talent for the future, and this will be an interesting matchup.
With Jamaal Charles' torn ACL, it felt like the sky was falling for Kansas City, but West has stepped up in recent weekas after a difficult first start against Minnesota. In the past two week against Pittsburgh and Detroit, he has totaled 207 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Trevathan, on the other hand, is coming off a career game against Indianapolis in which he had 19 combined tackles, including one tackle for loss. It was the most tackles by a Bronco since Eric Brown against Tampa Bay in 1999.
