Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are in a position they’re unaccustomed to being in.
The Chiefs are in third place in the AFC West at 5-4 and likely need to win on Sunday to keep their streak of division
titles alive. Kansas City has won the AFC West nine straight times.
The good news for Patrick Mahomes and Co. is they’re coming off their bye. And when this team’s back is against the wall, it finds a way. FanDuel Sportsbook likes the Chiefs’ chances on Sunday. KC is a -3.5-point road favorite over the Denver Broncos. The total sits at over/under 44.5 points, with a lean towards the under at -115.
So just how big is this game for the Chiefs against the division-leading and 8-2 Broncos?
We go “behind enemy lines” to get a feel for the Chiefs heading into Sunday’s game with Maurice Elston from Arrowhead Pride to preview Sunday’s game.
MHR: What are Chiefs fans feeling at this point in the season? How unusual is it to see KC at 5-4 and third place in the AFC West?
Maurice: Overall, Chiefs fans remain optimistic — but that optimism is hanging by a thread. Sitting at 5-4 and third in the AFC West is extremely unusual in the Patrick Mahomes era, yet most fans still believe this team can flip the switch, make the playoffs, and even compete for another Super Bowl. However, if they drop this game, that confidence will evaporate quickly, and panic will set in.
MHR: How big is this game for KC on Sunday? Where do the Chiefs need to improve the most?
Maurice: This is a massive game for Kansas City. A loss essentially ends any realistic shot at winning the division, and it would also put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Their margin for error would shrink dramatically.
The biggest area the Chiefs must improve is consistency. Before last week, they had played three straight strong games, then suddenly looked like a team struggling in multiple phases again. If we narrow it down to one unit, the defensive line stands out — generating pressure with just the front four has been an issue all season. Without it, the secondary has to play near-perfect football to compensate.
MHR: How do the Chiefs get the win? How will KC attack Denver on offense and defense?
Maurice: Kansas City needs to start fast. Denver has shown an ability to rally late, but if the Chiefs jump out to a 10–14 point lead, it changes the entire flow of the game. Offensively, they should lean back into what worked during their winning stretch: more under-center looks, heavier personnel, a balanced run game, and play-action. That approach slows Denver’s pass rush and opens up opportunities for deep shots.
Defensively, Kansas City needs to pressure Bo Nix without losing discipline. Winning early downs, forcing third-and-longs, and disguising coverages will be key.
MHR: What is your best bet for Sunday’s game at FanDuel Sportsbook? And what do you think of the spread?
Maurice: As of Wednesday night (Nov. 12), the total is 44.5. Many bettors may lean toward the under, given how well both defenses have played, but I’m taking the over. Denver is averaging 25 points per game, and Kansas City is averaging 26. To win this matchup, someone is likely going to need to reach the high 20s. The over on 44.5 is the bet I feel most confident about.
MHR: What are your expectations and predictions for Sunday’s game?
Maurice: I expect a tight, physical game for about three and a half quarters before Kansas City pulls away late. While Bo Nix has shown he can come alive in fourth quarters, this matchup ultimately comes down to Patrick Mahomes. In a near–must-win situation, I expect Mahomes to elevate late and do whatever it takes to secure the victory.
Denver will play hard under Sean Payton, but the Chiefs have far more at stake. They know it, and I expect their urgency — especially in the fourth quarter — to be the difference.
