Live Thread: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

And lo the Kansas City Chiefs began the day of November 30, 2014 with the chance to enter the month of December in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC West. Not too shabby since the Chiefs’ season was supposed to be over after week one.

Denver comes into Arrowhead battered on both sides of the ball. Julius Thomas, Montee Ball, and Ronnie Hillman are out for the Broncos on offense, which will limit some of what Peyton Manning likes to do to create matchups and space. Also, the lack of depth at running back may put some strain on the offense.

On the defensive side the Broncos are going to be without cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Kayvon Webster. No, the Chiefs don’t have much at wide receiver, but the lack of depth in the secondary for the Broncos may open up some space for Travis Kelce and De’Anthony Thomas to do some damage.

Then there is the emotional factor. Eric Berry will miss his first game since being put on injured reserve for what appears to be cancer, leading teammates to honor him with a special shirt and by wearing tape on their hands during the game. The combinations of the players’ energy from wanting to perform well for Berry, plus the energy from the crowd that should be rocking, and the primetime spot on Sunday Night Football should add a fun dynamic to the game.

Kansas City can win this. Kansas City should win this. Kansas City needs to win this.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Broncos 30