Around the AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs regain stranglehold on division

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos headed into their primetime Thursday night matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs coming off two impressive wins including a shutout win against the Tennessee Titans. Their opponent had just dropped two stinkers against the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans and looked less than stellar on both sides of the ball. With a run defense that resembled swiss cheese, it was not a question of whether the Broncos would be able to run the ball but rather how many yards above 200 would they get?

This (thankfully) proved to be a narrative that the Chiefs were not going to let fly. On the back of the newest exhibit in the Louvre, statue Joe Flacco, the Broncos were held to just six points the entire game. Flacco was sacked 8 times and their offensive line couldn’t block anything. The Broncos offense was held to just 205 total yards and running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman were kept in check.

The Broncos, in an attempt to get something going, even attempted a fake punt that was absolutely blown up by the Chiefs special teams. However, what was in my opinion the game changer was after the Broncos drove down the field on the opening drive and scored. The Chiefs were flagged on the extra point attempt and decided to go for two. From there, the Chiefs defense held strong and denied the extra point.

With a loss to the Chiefs 30-6, the Broncos fell to 2-5 on the season and will most certainly become sellers as the trade deadline approaches. There are so many problems with the team that it only makes sense to sell what you have and start from scratch. Rumors of the imminent exit of Emmanuel Sanders finally came to a head on Tuesday. Denver traded Sanders to the San Francisco 49ers along with a 5th round 2020 pick in exchange for a 3rd and 4th round 2020 pick. If the rumors continue, we may see the exit of cornerback Chris Harris Jr. soon as well.

The Broncos had a few injuries during the game to Will Parks and Justin Hollins. Parks suffered a hand injury, underwent surgery, and is expected to miss some time. They may get Drew Lock back soon and that can’t come quickly enough. With Flacco clearly just setting foot on the field to earn his paycheck, the Broncos need someone under center that can give them hope.

Next week, the Broncos travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. The Colts are coming off a win against division rival Houston Texans and are looking to continue their run in first place in their division. With Jacoby Brissett looking phenomenal after the retirement of Andrew Luck, the Colts are likely to cruise through this game without much problem. I anticipate the Broncos fall yet again and calls for John Elway‘s head start to echo louder in the empty seats and halls that are in Mile High.

Opening line odds for the Broncos in Week 8: +6.0.

Game time is 12:00 p.m.