Coffee with the Chiefs – Predicting the future

The Kansas City Chiefs are working on being ready to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon at Sports Authority Field. Kansas City has not beaten the Broncos on the road since 2011, back when Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow were running the show. Oddly enough, that was the second time in three years that Kansas City closed a regular season out at Denver.

Here is the news you need to know:

Second half prediction has Chiefs finishing at 7-9 – Adam Teicher of ESPN

"The Chiefs will probably have to sweep their remaining games against the Chargers if they’re going to get to 9-7 so this game looms as crucial. The Chiefs got their sweep of the Chargers last year, making it unlikely a second straight season. The Chargers have been as disappointing as the Chiefs this year, but won’t lose a third straight time to Kansas City."

Peyton Manning has been impossible obstacle for Alex Smith – Adam Teicher of ESPN

"Smith was dreadful in his games for the 49ers against Manning, and we’ll overlook those two here. More to the point, he hasn’t been very good against the Broncos since he arrived in Kansas City. He had the Chiefs on the verge of a huge upset last season against Manning in Denver, but couldn’t finish with a touchdown late in the game (another problem of Smith’s since he’s been with the Chiefs, but that’s a different story)."

Chiefs start second half with playoff aspirations – Dave Skretta of the Associated Press

"Playing even one quarter of a good game against the Broncos figures to be more difficult this time around. Star running back Jamaal Charles, whose fumble cost Kansas City dearly in that first meeting, is out for the season with a knee injury."