#3 – The Stingy Chiefs Defense
Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates after the Chiefs recovered a fumble during the second half against the New England Patriots at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs defense has been shorthanded throughout this season. That hasn’t stopped them from being ranked as the third best defense in the league, and top passing defense, by pro-football-reference. They have also allowed three fewer rushing touchdowns than anyone else in the league.
Those rankings will have to be earned this week against one of the best offenses in the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer in Peyton Manning. Since the Broncos acquired the legendary quarterback, they have not lost to the Chiefs. But that could easily change this weekend if more recent history is an indication.
By recent history, I mean the second week of this season. Though Denver ended up winning by a touchdown in the end, the Chiefs defense held the Broncos to their lowest totals in points scored, total yards, passing yards, rushing yards and first downs gained in any game at Sports Authority Field this year.
If the Chiefs who showed up in Week 2 come to play on Sunday, then it could be a long night for Manning & Co.