On Sunday, the Denver Broncos looked like a team on a mission as they handed the Chiefs their second straight 30-plus point defeat, and to make things even crazier, they did it in Arrowhead.

The Broncos' 44-13 victory against their division rivals was one they needed in a bad way, especially with division leading San Diego playing their best football this season.

This was a near flawless game for Denver, and I stress the word "near" here very strongly. The only low point in this game was the play of quarterback Kyle Orton, though the stat line will not show it accurately. Orton looked confused during the game, especially early on. After the Broncos drove the ball down the field into Kansas City territory with ease on their first possession of the game, Orton made a bonehead throw into triple coverage, which was tipped and subsequently picked off.

On a drive late in the second quarter, Orton held on to the ball far too long when the Broncos just needed to keep the drive going, and he ended up getting sacked from behind, also fumbling the ball. On a similar play later in the contest, deep in Denver territory, Orton held on to the ball far too long once again, and he was sacked and fumbled, resulting in Kansas City's only touchdown of the game.

Obviously, in a 31-point win, it's not that easy to find deficiencies in your team, but Orton stood out like a sore thumb.

That being said, the Broncos' running game and defense were absolutely phenomenal, and the play of Matt Prater continues to impress. Correll Buckhalter averaged over 9 yards per carry, Peyton Hillis averaged nearly 7, and Knowshon Moreno had his best game to date, running for 86 yards and two scores.

The Denver defense built upon its dominant performance against the Giants on Thanksgiving with another great outing in Arrowhead. Ten of Kansas City's 13 points were scored off turnovers by Orton. The Denver defense was led by Andre Goodman, who had an interception and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

On a day in which former Chiefs star and pass-rushing great Derrick Thomas was honored, it was nice to see each team's top pass rusher have a good game. Elvis Dumervil increased his league-leading sack total to 15, and Kansas City's Tamba Hali had his best game as a pro, registering nine tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.

This is an excellent performance for the Broncos to build off of heading into their game against the Indianapolis Colts next week. It was clear that this team was not looking ahead to next week, which is a good sign. Every game from this point out is crucial, and the Broncos are looking to dethrone the undefeated Colts who have won 21 straight regular season contests.

The Broncos will face off against Indianapolis this weekend, looking to re-claim the AFC West division lead as San Diego travels to Dallas to take on the NFC East leading Cowboys. The Broncos could gain some ground this weekend if they are able to go on the road and beat Indianapolis.

In addition to the intriguing possibility of gaining playoff ground, Broncos fans have to be pleased with the job Jay Cutler has done in Chicago, as the Bears are currently projected to send Denver the ninth pick in the up-coming draft, which is littered with talent.

The 2010 draft certainly will not be on the mind of Josh McDaniels and the Broncos as they prepare to take on Peyton Manning and the Colts, but it has to feel good for Broncos fans to know their team will still likely be picking in the top 15 of the draft even though their team is poised for the playoffs.

--- SAYRE BEDINGER.