Broncos at Panthers Prediction (12/14)

If the Chiefs beat the Chargers today, the Broncos win the AFC West. If the Chargers beat the Chiefs, the Broncos can win the AFC West by beating the Carolina Panthers this afternoon.

Here are the keys to the game for the Broncos according to the Sporting News:

1. Stop the run: The Broncos have done a much better job in recent weeks after locking into their 4-3 scheme and using a safety close to the line of scrimmage to help. There's no better evidence than Sunday, when the Chiefs' Larry Johnson came to town and managed just 36 yards on 11 carries after getting 198 yards in the teams� first meeting. Denver's allowed just slightly over 4 yards per carry since its bye. But DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart represent the best tandem they've faced this year and will provide a strong hint as to whether the team will be able to be a legitimate playoff force given anticipated January cold-weather games.

2. Stay loose: Denver actually has played its best football against some of the top competition its faced on the road, especially recently. The Broncos rallied to beat Cleveland, then played solid all-around games against both Atlanta and the New York Jets in winning three straight away from Invesco Field at Mile High. The Broncos are a young team that should on the surface thrive at home but they actually seem to play more relaxed and make more plays away from the distractions of friends and family. But Carolina is 7-0 at home this year.

3. Find some balance: The injury to Peyton Hillis may prove the straw that broke the camel's back. He is the fifth running back to land on injured reserve and was playing physical while adding a dimension in the passing game. There has to be a point where all the injuries finally catch up. But Denver can't just spread the field and constantly chuck it around without at least the threat of a ground game. Tatum Bell likely steps into an increased role, but rookie Cory Boyd may get a shot at some carries, too. There's also a longshot chance that Selvin Young may finally return after missing most of the last eight weeks with a severe groin pull.

Game Prediction: Broncos 28, Panthers 27

Broncos vs Chiefs Prediction (12/7)

The Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon. Here are the keys to the game for the Broncos according to the Sporting News:

1. Maintain balance. The Broncos have gotten a lift from hard-charging Peyton Hillis as their tailback. Hillis, a converted fullback, posted the second 100-yard individual game for a Broncos back this season last week and is growing more comfortable with reading and attacking cutback lanes with every start. Denver won't stray from its attacking passing game with Jay Cutler, but Hillis, playing against a Kansas City team with a suspect front seven, can make play action that much more effective for downfield strikes.

2. Remain sure-handed. Denver, against the Jets, improved to 6-0 this season when the turnover battle is either even or in its favor. The Broncos were able to complete some big plays vs. the Chiefs in the first matchup, but aggressive pursuit from behind forced the two fumbles. And Cutler at times tried to force the ball to Brandon Marshall, opening up chances for interceptions. The Broncos are more multi-faceted now, with Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley and tight ends Tony Scheffler and Daniel Graham contributing in the passing game. If they hang onto the ball, they should win because they have a more talented roster overall.

3. Bottle up LJ. The Broncos surrendered a long Larry Johnson run early in Kansas City and the floodgates just opened. Expect Denver to stick with its eight-man principles with strong safety Marquand Manuel near the line to help with run containment. While Denver overall has been more aggressive and better tackling in the last several weeks vs. the run, New York's Thomas Jones still had 59 and 29 yard touchdowns last week. The Broncos run D has been susceptible to big plays.

Game Prediction: Broncos 28, Chiefs 14