Chiefs vs. Broncos predictions: AA writers expect tougher game with Drew Lock

After a big win against the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs turn to face a surging rookie of the Denver Broncos.

Last week, the Kansas City Chiefs won a huge game against the New England Patriots. This week, they’ll turn to face an exciting rookie quarterback Drew Lock of the Denver Broncos. Our writers believe the Chiefs will take care of business and continue to contend for the #2 playoff seed.

The Broncos have started rookie quarterback Drew Lock in their last two games and he has looked impressive in winning both. In his start against the Los Angeles Chargers, he completed 18/28 passes for 134 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also carried the ball 3 times for 15 yards.

In last week’s start against the Houston Texans, he looked even better. He completed 22/27 passes for 309 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He also carried the ball 3 times for 15 yards.

While the Chargers have struggled this season, the Texans are no pushover. The Texans boast an 8-5 record with wins against the Chiefs and the Patriots. Though what we’ve seen from Lock has been limited, it’s been impressive so far. However, he still has his fair share of rookie mistakes, and the Chiefs should be ready to capitalize.

The Chiefs had their own impressive win last week, beating the Patriots in Foxborough 23-16. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a pretty average game for his standards, completing 26/40 passes for 283 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.

Behind his effort, the Chiefs are continuing to play as a team. After a convincing win against the Oakland Raiders two weeks ago and the win against the Patriots last week, the Chiefs are beginning to look like a team that won’t lose again this season.

One thing the Chiefs need is to get fully healthy. Defense end Frank Clark played through a serious stomach illness last week, and has been unable to practice all week due to this illness. Meanwhile, cornerbacks Rashad Fenton and Morris Claiborne also have not practiced all week and are trending towards being out for the second straight week.

Overall, with the Chiefs playing like they’ve been playing, and Drew Lock still being a young rookie, our writers believe the Chiefs’ injuries won’t be a problem. Here are the full writer predictions:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 28, Broncos 7

Though he’s looked good so far, Drew Lock is still extremely young. He is still making rookie mistakes, and there’s no way they will all be cleaned up by game time. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have been playing some of their best football in the past two weeks. I think this will be an easy one for the Chiefs to win.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 27, Broncos 10

The Broncos had an impossible time scoring on the Chiefs defense the first time around. The team has since upgraded from Joe Flacco, but at some point, Drew Lock has to find his rookie jitters and the Chiefs defense is playing like the unit who can force him into some overly confident throws. I don’t think this game will even be particularly close after the first quarter.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 27, Broncos 23

As much as I would like to see the Chiefs throttle the Broncos again like they did earlier this season that hasn’t typically been the case when Patrick Mahomes has faced the Broncos. With K.C.’s offense in a little bit of a funk and the Broncos playing better now with Drew Lock at quarterback, I think the Chiefs are forced to pull out another close win.

Jacob Harris: Chiefs 28, Broncos 17

This will be closer than it should be, because that’s just how the Chiefs tend to play against division opponents late in the year.

Jake Kokoris: Chiefs 28, Broncos 14

It’s way too early to buy the Drew Lock hype. Spags is going to use creative blitzes to get into Lock’s head and force turnovers. I expect a run-heavy Chiefs attack, with Darwin Thompson posting career numbers. I really don’t see a single advantage the Broncos have heading into this game.

Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 35, Broncos 20

This will be the toughest game of Drew Lock’s career to this point, and I’d guess he will struggle to diagnose Spagnuolo’s pressure and coverages. Coming off a big win in Foxborough, this is the type of game a good team could overlook. That said, the Chiefs should win this game easily, with room to spare.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 26, Broncos 17

The Broncos are surging, but this is a rookie quarterback. I suspect Spags will have a fun time messing with a rookie and the defense will have a day. It will be closer than it would have been had Flacco still been playing, but the Chiefs will win this one and show another dominating division win.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 28, Broncos 7

Drew Lock is young and Spags is gonna play with him. The defense is strong and its gonna flex on Sunday. Look for offensive players to be resting up a bit as the playoffs approach.

Grant Tuttle: Chiefs 31, Broncos 17

Kansas City is riding high off of their win in Foxboro. That being said, the Chiefs are not satisfied with winning the AFC West and they will use the last three games as a “get right” time. It seems like Andy Reid  and Patrick Mahomes can get the offense flowing in three weeks. This week, Drew Lock comes to town and I expect the Chiefs to double Courtland Sutton all game long. Denver has been a decent team in the last couple of weeks, but I expect Kansas City to stay on their win streak.