Denver Broncos Playoff Hopes In Balance; Favored 13 Over Chiefs

NFL News - December 28th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

Last week, a heart-breaking loss to Philadelphia as time expired damaged the post-season aspirations of the Denver Broncos. This week, Denver will once again be fighting for their playoff lives when they face Kansas City. With a win, they would have an outside chance to clinch a wild-card berth. With a loss, they are out of the playoff picture.

In the loss to the Eagles, Denver quarterback Kyle Orton had a solid game, completing 27 of 41 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns. The Eagles defense however prevented Orton from throwing the ball down field, despite his 41 attempts. Orton had an average completion length of only eight yards.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall continued to be Orton's favorite target. His eight receptions against the Eagles sent him over 100 for the season. This is Marshall's third consecutive season with over 100 receptions, which puts him one shy of Indianapolis Colts' WR Marvin Harrisons' NFL record.

Denver has struggled to get production out of the ground game behind running backs Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter. The Broncos will have to find a way to accumulate rushing yards or they will certainly be watching the playoffs from their couches.

On the other sideline, Kansas City sits at 3-12 and have nothing to lose this week. They will be playing the role of spoiler against the Broncos.

The Chiefs are primarily a passing team, backed by the arm of quarterback Matt Cassel. Cassel has had four games this season where he has had 40 or more attempts.

Last week though, he did not cross the 40 attempt threshold, as he went 22 of 37 for 180 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati. However he threw two critical interceptions, one of which set up a score for the Bengals.

This week, Cassel and the rest of the Chief offense will face a Denver defense that has their backs against the wall.

The Broncos are in a must-win situation. After beginning the season 6-0, the Broncos now sport a record of 8-7 and are trying to avoid a monumental collapse.

The Kansas City defense has been vulnerable against the run this season, but at the same time, Denver has not been very good at offensive run production.

Neither team boasts a high-scoring offense.

The difference in the game could be the Denver defense. They have a lot of play-makers on that side of the ball in safety Brian Dawkins and corner-back Champ Bailey. Those two are veteran players and the Bronco defense will look to their leadership. The Broncos should be able to get penetration at the line of scrimmage and get pressure on Cassel.

The secondary of the Broncos is very good and will get opportunities to make plays on Cassel's throws.

Denver has been installed as a 13-point favorite to take down Kansas City this week. NFL Betting Lines list the over/under for the contest at 38 points, according to BetUS.