Chiefs Preview: Key Players to Stop From Each Side of the Ball

Every year the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos play each other twice, due to the divisional rivalry, but one of those games is usually on a primetime network. That does not change this season, as the second meeting of these two will be played on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 PM EST.

The history between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos is long and tumultuous. In recent years, though, the Chiefs have dominated the rivalry. The Chiefs have not lost to the Broncos since 2015–when Peyton Manning was the Broncos quarterback. Since then, it has been smooth sailing for the Chiefs, as they have won ten straight games over Denver, including six straight at Mile High Stadium.

Even though the Broncos have a 4-7 record this season, they are still a team that can catch you off guard. Much like everyone else in 2020, they have dealt with some crazy things. Just last week against the New Orleans Saints, the Broncos had to play an undrafted rookie wide receiver at quarterback. Kendall Hinton played quarterback in college at Wake Forest but was moved to receiver later in his career. He had not yet played a snap in his NFL career until last Sunday. However, that first career snap was in the wrong position. The Broncos had no choice but to do it because all of their quarterbacks were out with COVID-19.

The last few matchups between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos have not been very competitive, but they are still a team to watch out for. The Broncos have some sneaky good players on both sides of the ball. Here are four key players that Chiefs fans should watch out for on Sunday Night.

Denver Broncos Key Players: Offense

Garett Bolles, LT

In the Chiefs vs Broncos matchup this Sunday night, Garett Bolles is a player to watch for sure. It"s not often the offensive linemen get some love, but he has gotten plenty this year. Bolles just signed a big contract with the Broncos–$68 million over four years after getting his fifth-year option declined after last season. This year was supposed to be a proving year for Bolles, and with little to no practice in the offseason, many people were not confident he would get better. However, he has made huge strides and is one of the best left tackles in the NFL right now.

Bolles has played every offensive snap for the Broncos so far this season and has been very productive doing it. At 6"5" and 300 pounds, Bolles can be an absolute unit at times and helps the running game get going, as well as pass protection. Being a left tackle means that Bolles will lineup against two Chiefs defensive linemen depending on personnel and package. He could either be lined up against Derrick Nnadi, who has played very well this season, or Frank Clark, who has not had his best season. Bolles has not given up a sack yet this season and only has two penalties on the year.

Tim Patrick, WR

This 6"4" wide receiver could be a problem for the Chiefs defense on Sunday night. While he is not their number one option, he still can be a severe threat and a red-zone threat if the game script is right. Last week was not his best, but the game before last week, Patrick showed out. Against the Miami Dolphins, who are no joke this year, he finished with five catches for 119 yards. In that game, Patrick played 82% of the offensive snaps. While he does only have three touchdowns on the season, Patrick is good at using his frame and body to go up and get it whenever he needs to.

Defense

Malik Reed, LB

Malik Reed has been one of the Broncos" “un-sung heroes" this season. Reed is a player that many fans may not know, especially since only his second season. Reed was undrafted from Nevada and is already proving everyone wrong.

Most people know who Bradley Chubb is, considering he is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. While he has been the best of his team, Malik Reed is not far behind him. Chubb currently has seven and a half sacks on the season, while Reed has six and a half. Reed also has ten tackles for loss on the year, which is very impressive considering he has only played an average of 68% of the defensive snaps this season. As the season goes on, he will continue to get better and be a problem in every Chiefs Vs Broncos matchup for years to come.

Alexander Johnson, LB

Alexander Johnson is currently ninth in the league in total tackles with 92 and doesn"t look to be slowing down anytime soon. The tackling machine can dabble in the coverage game as well. Johnson is yet another defensive weapon the Broncos have that the Chiefs will need to watch out for. If not, he can wreak havoc and make the game difficult on Patrick Mahomes.

Thanks for reading my article on the upcoming game and the history of Chiefs Vs Broncos.

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