Week 13

Broncos 44, Chiefs 13

So, what about that four-game losing streak now?

A week after a resounding Thanksgiving night win over the New York Giants, the Denver Broncos, especially their running game and defense, are back to doing what was the story of the first six games this season. As a result, Sunday’s 44-13 victory over the listless Chiefs (3-9) has Denver (8-4) one game closer to a return to the postseason for the first time in four years. Now, three observations from Sunday’s win:

MORENO, BUCKHALTER GASH CHIEFS.

Whether it was rookie Knowshon Moreno and his two touchdown runs or Correll Buckhalter’s 113 yards on just 12 carries, Denver’s ground game had its way with Kansas City. The offensive line, for the most part -- when it wasn’t letting Tamba Hali get to quarterback Kyle Orton -- controlled the Chiefs’ defensive line. For the game, Denver rushed for 245 yards. Shoot, even the forgotten-about Peyton Hillis carried the ball seven times for 47 yards in the rout.

DEFENSE FLEXES ITS MUSCLE.

Remember when Pittsburgh, San Diego and, um, Washington had their way with the Broncos. Kansas City didn’t have a chance Sunday. Elvis Dumervil got another sack, Vonnie Holliday had one, the team picked off two Matt Cassel passes and Andre Goodman returned a fumble 30 yards for a score. Kansas City had just 134 passing yards and 84 rushing as Denver won in Kansas City for the first time in December since John Elway was at quarterback.

THROW IT TO B-MARSH.

He wasn’t all that flashy. Kyle Orton was pedestrian-like in his 15-of-25 passing for 180 yards, but Brandon Marshall, when the team needed a play in the passing game, caught seven passes for 94 yards. His third-quarter TD reception was just a cherry on top of what was an all-around Broncos field day at Arrowhead Stadium. Now if the team could just get another receiver into the act, say, Eddie Royal. Only one other player, Buckhalter, had three or more catches Sunday.

--- MICHAEL HICKS.