Week 13

Broncos Preview

Denver Broncos (7-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-8)

The Broncos go on the road to Kansas City this week to take on the Chiefs. Although they are a slight favorite and probably the better team, Broncos fans know better than to automatically ring up a victory in this historic rivalry. The Broncos have lost five of the last six meetings in Kansas City and 14 of the last 19. On top of it, the Chiefs are posthumously retiring the jersey of pass rushing linebacker Derrick Thomas. The atmosphere should be electric in Arrowhead Stadium and the Chiefs players will likely be playing inspired football, so the Broncos had better come ready to play. Here are a few key match-ups to watch that may figure prominently in the game:

Brandon Marshall vs. Chiefs secondary

The Chiefs rank 30th in the league in pass defense. They give up an average of 258 yards passing and rank 27th in the league in interceptions with seven. Their secondary is young and has given up a lot of big plays this season. Given the opportunity, Brandon Marshall knows all about making big plays. Although he started the season riding the bench, Marshall has kept his mouth shut _ mostly _ and played some great football lately. He has 58 catches for 714 yards and six touchdowns on the season and has re-established himself as one the leagues premiere play-makers.

Broncos run defense vs. Jamaal Charles

The Broncos rank fifth in the league against the pass and the Chiefs are without their biggest play maker, suspended wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. Plus, the Chiefs rank 27th in the league in passing offense, so it will likely be up to Charles and the Chiefs running game to keep the Chiefs in it. If there has been an Achilles heel for the Broncos defense this year, it has been stopping the run. The Broncos defense has plenty of speed, but it's struggled against big backs like Rashard Mendenhall and Ladell Betts. Charles is more of a quick and elusive type back, so the match-up should bode well for the Broncos.

Josh McDaniels vs. Todd Haley

McDaniels and Haley have a lot in common. Both are first-year head coaches and both are up-and-coming offensive minded coaches who like to call their own plays. They both have a fiery passion for the game, as well as a propensity to yell. One difference in the two is the records of their prospective teams. But, considering that the Chiefs are 3-3 in the last six games and the Broncos are 2-4, records can go out the window in this one. Side note: After seeing McDaniels reaction to beating his mentor Bill Belichick, I'm sure he would also enjoy beating his former pupil Matt Cassell as well as former Patriots GM Scott Pioli, along with the fact that the Chiefs beat him out when he aempted to trade for Cassel.

Fantasy Pick:

The Chiefs defense is weak against the run and the pass, so there are a handful of Broncos offensive players who will make worthy starters this week. The Broncos defense would also be a good play. But, my top fantasy play this week is Brandon Marshall. "The Beast" has been on a tear lately and is poised to have a big day against the porous Chiefs secondary. If Cowboys' receiver Austin Miles can put up 250 yards an two touchdowns against the Chiefs, Marshall should have a field-day.

--- SONNY PLATT.