By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer
The best offense in the NFL faces the best defense when divisions rivals clash in Denver. Can the Broncos offense score enough points? Or will the Chiefs defense contain a less than 100% Peyton Manning?
The AFC's top two teams meet on Sunday Night Football as the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs head to Denver to face the Broncos.
The 9-0 Chiefs are coming off their Bye Week, while the 8-1 Broncos enter Sunday's contest after a 28-20 road victory over the San Diego Chargers.
The teams' combined winning percentage of .944 (17-1) is the highest in a game this late in the season since December 7, 1969 when the 11-0 Los Angeles Rams faced the 10-1 Minnesota Vikings (combined 21-1, .955 winning percentage).
Kansas City holds a 56-50 (.528) all-time advantage over Denver in the 106 previous meetings between the two clubs (105 regular season, one postseason). The Chiefs and Broncos have split their season series eight of the last 10 seasons. The Broncos have won at 8 of the last 10 games at home against the Chiefs.
Denver's high-powered offense matches up against the Chiefs' stingy defense.
The Broncos, who lead the NFL in scoring (41.2 ppg) this season, has scored the most points (371) through nine games in NFL history. The Broncos have topped 40 points in five games (the most in team history in a season), including back-to-back 50-point outputs in Weeks 4-5.
Denver ranks first in the NFL having converted 54-of-109 third downs (49.5%). The Broncos have scored 44 offensive touchdowns on 117 possessions so far this season with their 37.6% TD percentage leading the league by a wide margin. Their red zone efficiency (79.5% / 31-of-39) also leads the NFL. Denver leads the NFL with 247 first downs on the season, an average of 27.4 per game. The league average is 184 first downs. The Broncos have allowed the second-fewest sacks (13) in the NFL this season
Leading the way is quarterback Peyton Manning, who has passed for 33 touchdowns. Manning is on an early pace to challenge several single-season passing records.
Peyton Manning's Statistical Comparisons Through Nine Games
| Statistic | Number | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL | ||
| Completions | 262 | 3 |
| Passing Yards | 3,249 | 1 |
| Passing TDs | 33 | 1t |
| Completion Pct. | 71.0 | 4 |
| Quarterback Rating | 121.0 | 4 |
Through the first nine games of the regular season, the Chiefs defense has been strong to say the least. The team has held all of its opponents to 17 points or less, leads the NFL in sacks (36.0) and third down conversions, allowing opponents to convert only 31 of 120 attempts (25.8%). The Chiefs defense ranks first in the NFL in red zone points allowed and in red zone touchdown efficiency. In nine goal-to-go situations this season the Chiefs have allowed only two touchdowns and four field goals. The Chiefs defense has recorded five touchdowns.
Kansas City's defense has established itself as one of the NFL's best. The Chiefs rank in the top five in a number of different categories.
| Statistic | Rank | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL | ||
| Points per Game | 1st | 12.3 |
| Passing Net yards per Play | 3rd | 5.19 |
| Sacks per Pass Play | 1st | 10.0% |
| First Downs per Game | 3rd | 17.0 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 1st | 25.8% (31/120) |
| Field Goal Percentage | T-4th | 73.3% (11/15) |
| Negative Plays | T-4th | 59 (-301) |
| Three-and-Outs | 4th | 31 |
Perhaps more impressive are the defensive second half and fourth quarter numbers. As the game progresses, Kansas City's defense tightens up.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kansas City QB Alex Smith has made a habit of protecting the football. The Chiefs lead the NFL in turnover differential, recording 23 takeaways and only eight giveaways (+15). RB Jamaal Charles leads the NFL in first downs (62) and is second in yards from scrimmage (1,114).
Prediction
The Chiefs have relied on a formula of great defense and winning the turnover battle in achieving their undefeated record. However, the Chiefs' offense is limited. They'll need extraordinary performances from both Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles.
Indeed, Kansas City faces a tough task on the road.
That said, this game comes down to Peyton Manning's ailing right ankle. The ankle will slow Peyton down just enough that the Broncos' offensive line won't be able to withstand Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and the rest of the Chiefs defense.
Chiefs' Head Coach Andy Reid is 13-1 after their bye week. Expect Andy to have his team prepared -- Chiefs 24, Broncos 17.
NFL Football News & Analysis
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NFL 2013 Week 11: Chiefs Visit Denver to Face Broncos in AFC West Showdown