The Denver Broncos were walloped by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season on Monday Night Football. This Sunday, the Broncos have a chance to climb atop of the AFC West standings if they can find a way to defeat the Chiefs. Here are three things the Broncos must accomplish to make that happen.
Keep building upon the success they found on offense in Week 7
The Broncos’ offense impressed in Week 7. For the first time all season, they were able to create a handful of explosive plays in their decisive 30-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback
Bo Nix had a tremendous 62-yard touchdown scamper, RJ Harvey housed a well-time screen pass against the blitz, and a handful of receivers hauled in nice catches down the field for big gains.
Those were welcomed developments after being absent virtually all season. In order to beat the Chiefs, Denver will have to have several big splash plays. However, the Chiefs’ defense has done well limiting the opposition’s big play threats this year.
On top of that, the Broncos have to improve in two key areas. Being better on early downs is one of them. I expect a heavy dose of Jonah Coleman this weekend and early downs to help the offense. They’ve struggled on first down mightily which has put them in far too many third-and-long situations.
Last but not least, Nix and company will also have to be much better on third down. They’ve been one of the worst in the NFL this season. In Week 1, they went just 2-of-12. That can’t happen this week if they want to earn their sixth victory of the season.
Denver’s defense has to perform better than they did in Week 1
A big reason why the Broncos are a 5-2 squad after seven games is their defense. They’ve had some tremendous performances thus far. The big exception would be their Week 1 loss to the Chiefs. Plagued by missed tackles and too many penalties—Denver’s defense had their worst outing of the season.
Running back Kenneth Walker run roughshod the entire game. That can’t happen this time around. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his players will have to limit Walker’s impact on the game. Perhaps taking a look at some of the ways the Seattle Seahawks were able to shut him down last week would be a smart call.
Additionally, dialing up the pressure on Patrick Mahomes will be important. The Broncos weren’t able to take advantage of the Chiefs starting a few rookies the first time around. Week 8’s matchup provides them an opportunity to change that. Denver’s defensive front seven needs to have a great game and bring the heat on Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offensive line.
The Broncos have to win the turnover battle
This is the biggest game of the season for Denver. With razor thin margins, some big swings and momentum changers have to happen. Winning the turnover battle is going to be an absolute must. That’s my third and final key to the game.
In their Week 1 matchup, the Broncos gave up the ball twice to Kansas City. Through six contests, the Chiefs are one of the NFL’s best at forcing turnovers with ten. Denver will have to play a clean game on offense and not give up the ball.
While it was an area that struggled with in 2025, Denver’s defense has been much better in 2026. They also have ten turnovers on the season and several fourth down stops. Can someone on the Broncos find a way to deliver and come up with a game-changing play? That needs to happen to get to first place in the AFC West.
