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