Broncos @ Chiefs – Week 10 Preview

vs.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) vs. Denver Broncos (3-5)

Sunday, November 11, 2007 | 11:00 AM MST
Arrowhead Stadium | CBS 4 | 850 AM KOA

Weather: Few showers, 74° F, Windy (NNE 15mph), 30% chance of precipitation (weather.com)
Scoring Trend: Broncos 17.0, Chiefs 21.9

If one were to measure the worth of a rivalry by the number of wins between each team, then the fact that the home team has won the past nine straight contests tells you this has become one of the NFL’s best. No matter the state of either team, the Broncos and Chiefs have always been able to step up when needed and defend their home, sometimes against the superior foe.

With a weak AFC West for the taking this week, this game is even more important for both teams.

It marks Denver’s first road game within the division, and the Broncos have won each of those each season since 2002. All-time, the Chiefs hold the edge 52-41, with a 34-12 home record against the Broncos.

It also marks both teams’ third divisional game of the year, indicating that there is still a lot of in-divisional football to be played this year.

Injuries have been hampering both teams this season. The Chiefs have already ruled Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson out for this game, stemming from the sprained foot he suffered last week in a loss to the Packers. Dwayne Bowe, their star rookie wide receiver, suffered a hamstring injury that has been slowing him down. Eddie Kennison is expected to return this week for his first game of the seasons since he went down in Week 1.

Meanwhile, the Broncos have been dealt a tough hand with regards to injuries this season, and none seem more significant than the bruised lower left leg of quarterback Jay Cutler. After tests showed his leg wasn’t broken, Cutler participated in most of practice Wednesday, and, barring a setback, should be ready to play against the Chiefs. Other injuries for the Broncos include G Ben Hamilton and C Chris Myers – combined with some of the moves the team made in the offseason, only LT Matt Lepsis has a season’s worth of experience on the Broncos offensive line.

The Broncos have lost 5 of their last 6 and have yet to win a game this season by more than 3 points. After starting 0-2, the Chiefs have won 4 of their last 6, including an away game against 2006 AFC West Champions San Diego Chargers. They are technically the division leaders at this point, and a win against the Chiefs would thrust the Broncos into the top of division if the Chargers lose to the Indianapolis Colts Sunday.

Can the Broncos turn their defense around, or will the Chiefs offense find its burst? Will the Broncos offensive line step up against the Chiefs, or will DE Jared Allen add to his 8 1/2 sacks?

But the biggest question is: will the game sell out?