Chiefs vs. Broncos: TV Info, Live Stream, Point Spread, X-Factor And Prediction

Dec 30 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have never gone 10-0 in franchise history. The last huge winning streak they put together was a decade ago when the Dick Vermeil led, Trent Green quarterbacked, Priest Holmes ran Chiefs went 9-0 before losing against a mediocre Cincinnati Bengals team.

All history aside, this is the game both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos have waited for all season. Denver comes into today’s game with a 8-1 record, just one game out of first place behind the Chiefs. The Broncos have been plagued with injuries along their defensive line and star linebacker Von Miller is just three games removed from his huge six game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

It’s been discussed; it’s been talked about; now it’s time to get it on.

If the Chiefs win, they have a commanding lead not only in their division, but in the entire conference. If they lose, they share a piece of first place with the Broncos.

As your football Sunday winds down and you prepare for tonight’s game, consider this your primer for everything Chiefs vs. Broncos related:

Time: 7:30. CDT

Where: Denver, Colorado – Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High

TV: NBC

Radio: FM 101.1 The Fox. You can listen to it live here.

Live Stream: You can watch the game after it’s done  at https://gamerewind.nfl.com (subscription required)

Point Spread: Kansas City +8 (Bovada.lv)

Chiefs Player to Keep an Eye On: Jamaal Charles, RB

November 25, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball as Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) defends in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Coming back from the bye week, everyone hopes that Charles’ blisters have cleared up and he’s ready to prove to the world that the Broncos so-called top ranked rushing defense is just a fluke. Charles had the biggest game of his career against the Broncos a couple of years ago, and running wild on them tonight would be the icing on the cake for this Chiefs team.

 Chiefs Player Who Must Step Up: Alex Smith, QB

Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Smith needs to quiet the critics – at least for a little while – with a big game tonight. He doesn’t need to try and “outgun” Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, but a solid 250 yards of passing and a couple of touchdowns would go a long way to not only show that he’s the quarterback for the job, but also in helping the Chiefs steal a victory from Denver in their own back yard.

X Factor: Anthony Fasano, TE

Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano (80) catches a pass and runs for short yardage during the second half of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

I think Fasano could potentially be huge tonight. I don’t really see the Broncos having a defender that matches up well with the Chiefs tight end, and he could be the difference maker for the Chiefs offense. If the Chiefs can find him open – and Smith doesn’t over throw him – he could score that touchdown that could give the Chiefs a victory.

Prediction: 

As badly as I want the Chiefs to win, I think they’re going to have a tough time.

Chiefs 17, Broncos 24

If I’m wrong, I will eat my crow with a smile on my face. Just pass the hot sauce.