Chiefs schedule release 2015: Breaking down every matchup

Week 2: Denver Broncos

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Is any game more exciting than when the Broncos and Chiefs get together? Look, Kansas City has got to start beating Denver if it is going to reclaim the AFC West. The Broncos are four-time defending division champs, winning the last three with John Fox and Peyton Manning at the helm. Obviously, that is no longer the case.

While Manning remains, Fox was fired and replaced by Gary Kubiak. Denver’s general manager John Elway continued his fairly puzzling offseason by watching as Orlando Franklin, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker, Rahim Moore, Terrance Knighton, Will Montgomery and Nate Irving all left via free agency. Only Owen Daniels and Darian Stewart were signed, and neither are expected to be high-impact players.

Denver has to be considered the favorite around NFL circles to win the AFC West again, but 2015 has a different feel to it. The Chiefs have a better roster on paper. Can they take the next step and beat the Broncos for the first time since Manning arrived in 2011?

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