Supremacy in the AFC West will be at stake in Week 13 as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in a critical showdown at the Arrowhead Stadium. Can Patrick Mahomes keep Kansas City's winning streak going in this Broncos vs Chiefs clash, or will Denver grab the upset win in this divisional matchup?
Denver Broncos installed as +9.5 underdogs
The Denver Broncos will head to their showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs with momentum on their side after beating the Los Angeles Chargers, 28-13, in Week 12. It was a huge bounce-back win for the Broncos, who suffered a 30-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11.
Patrick Surtain II led the Broncos in that divisional matchup, recording a pair of crucial interceptions, the second of which he returned 70 yards for a touchdown. On that said pick-six, Surtain reached a top speed of 22.07 mph. That was the fastest speed achieved by a defensive back with the ball in his possession in the last five years.
The victory came at a considerable price for the Broncos, though, as they lost two more starters on their offensive line to injuries. Left tackle Calvin Anderson exited the game with a left knee injury, while left guard Dalton Risner had a back injury and did not return to the contest as well. Center Lloyd Cushenberry III was the only remaining Week 1 starter on the Broncos' offensive line when the game against the Chargers finished.
To make matters worse for Denver, Teddy Bridgewater also suffered a lower right leg injury in the first quarter of that game. Despite the pain, he managed to finish the contest, completing 11 of 18 passes for 129 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
If Bridgewater cannot go against the Chiefs, the Broncos will turn to Drew Lock as their starting QB in Week 13. He went 4-of-7 for 26 yards and a pick against LA before Bridgewater returned to the field.
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Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 13 as -9.5 favorites
The Kansas City Chiefs headed into their bye week feeling good about themselves after defeating the Dallas Cowboys at home in Week 11. The Chiefs pulled off a 19-9 victory over the NFC East-leading Cowboys to improve their record to 7-4, the best slate in the AFC West this season.
Kansas City's defense took center stage in the Week 11 win, holding Dallas' high-powered offense to just nine points as they stopped the Cowboys from reaching the end zone all game long.
Chris Jones starred for the Chiefs' defensive unit, racking up 3 ½ sacks. He also forced a fumble and recovered one for the Chiefs. L'Jarius Sneed and Charvarius Ward also delivered the goods for the Chiefs, picking off Cowboys QB Dak Prescott at crucial periods in the game that halted critical drives for Dallas. Prescott finished the game with just 216 passing yards.
For the Chiefs to extend their unbeaten run against the Broncos, they will need to get a much-improved showing from Patrick Mahomes. He struggled mightily in the win against the Cowboys, completing just 23 of 37 passes for 260 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Mahomes also had one fumble in that game.
He already has 11 interceptions this campaign after throwing 11 picks combined in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Writer's Prediction
Kansas City wins and covers the spread.
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