After losing in humiliating fashion in San Diego last week the Chiefs will look to rebound this week against the Broncos who come to town looking to get their season back on track. After starting 6-0 the Broncos were the surprise team of the NFL, QB Kyle Orton had fans saying Jay Cutler who and Josh McDaniels looked like he might be well on the way to coach of the year honors. Then reality set in and the Broncos went on a four game losing skid highlighted by a loss to the lowly Redskins. While on the losing skid the Broncos were passed by the Chargers for 1st place in the AFC West however the Broncos were able to stop the bleeding by beating the Giants on Thanksgiving keeping them within a game in the west.

The Chiefs are also looking to get their season back on track after winning two straight and three out of five the Chiefs thought they may have turned the corner , the Chargers put a end to that with their dominant passing game that made the Chiefs secondary look amateur. The Chiefs did not help their selves out in that game with a comedy of errors that included dropped snaps and shotgun snaps that went fifteen yards down field. The Chiefs main focus in this game no doubt will be to come out and make as little mistakes as possible after last week, as bad as the final score was against the Chargers the Chiefs could have stayed in that game without all of the mistakes.

The Chiefs will be ultra thin at running back this week as Kolby Smith was put on injured reserve with a season ending ankle injury, third string running back Dantrell Savage may play but is not truly healthy which has caused the Chiefs to promote rookie seventh round pick Javaris Williams to the active roster. Williams has highly looked upon after training camp but struggled in the pre season and was cut only to be signed to the practice squad now Williams will get another shot between now and the end of the season to show the Chiefs he belongs in the NFL. Kolby Smith however may have sealed his own fate finishing the season on injured reserve for the third consecutive season.

Expect this to be a low scoring affair as both teams play in a similar New England style system, both teams will want to come in and play mistake free. Field position will be a key in this game as neither QB is considered a real gun slinger type add to the fact this will be a cold weather game the running game and defense will probably be the most important aspect of this game. Special teams will also be very important besides field position, if both teams hold back early and wait for the other team to make a mistake there could be a lot of field goals and punts flying around at Arrowhead.

Keys to the Game

1. Keep a eye on the big play threats: Every week the Chiefs get roasted for a play of at least 40 plus yards …. Every week at east once sometimes two or three times. The Broncos have three big play threats receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal and rookie running back Knowshon Moreno if the Chiefs can contain these three from and just stop the big play they can stay competitive in this game,

2. Protect Matt Cassel: Last week we saw the first evidence of the Chiefs offensive line finally starting to gel, Matt Cassel while pressured was not sacked all game and the Chargers have some real sack artists. It may have went for not as the Chiefs could not pull their heads out long enough to play a competitive game, but don’t think the Chiefs line don’t know what they accomplished this week will tell if they are able to build on that performance.

3. Get Charles involved early: The Chiefs have struggled to put points on the board early causing them to constantly have to play from behind. Jamaal Charles has added a spark to the offense since taking over for Larry Johnson, the Chiefs need to feed Charles the rock early and often to try to get out to the early lead.

Injury Report:

Chiefs:

Kolby Smith RB Ankle Did Not Participate In Practice Out

Dantrell Savage RB Ankle Limited Participation in Practice Doubtful

Andy Alleman G Knee Full Participation in Practice Questionable

Justin Rogers LB Thigh Full Participation in Practice Questionable

Mike Vrabel LB Knee Full Participation in Practice Questionable

David Herron LB Knee Full Participation in Practice Probable

DaJuan Morgan S Knee Full Participation in Practice Probable

Broncos:

Brian Dawkins S Ankle Limited Participation in Practice Questionable

Ryan Harris T Toe Full Participation in Practice Probable

LaMont Jordan RB Back Full Participation in Practice Probable

Kyle Orton QB Ankle Full Participation in Practice Probable

Eddie Royal WR Thigh Full Participation in Practice Probable

Wesley Woodyard LB Neck Full Participation in Practice Probable

Weather Report: Weather at kickoff will be 36 degrees with a 30% chance of snow showers with a 10 mile per hour south easterly breeze

Final Score: Chiefs 15 Broncos 24

I think the weather may keep this game a low scoring affair which plays in to the Chiefs hands but the Broncos have too much to play for being only one game out of first place to let a 3-8 team drag them down and play spoiler to their season.