The Denver Broncos are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in a game with big implications in the AFC West. Here are five quick storylines to follow going into the divisional showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.
1. The potential return of Pat Surtain: After sitting out the team's last three games with an ankle injury, Surtain appears to be trending toward returning to action on Sunday. It remains to be seen, however, if PS2 will return to a full workload. When Riley Moss returned from his ribs injury, Denver eased him back into rotational snaps in his first game back before the cornerback resumed his starting spot in his second game back. We'll see if the Broncos use a similar plan with Surtain.
2. Denver's tackling: When the Chiefs
hosted the Broncos in Week 1, Denver's defense missed 28 tackles in a historically bad performance. KC's star running back, Ken Walker, rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown as the Chiefs humiliated their division rival in a 31-10 victory at home. The Broncos' tackling has gotten much better since then, and the unit will aim to have a much better showing in their rematch against the Chiefs, this time in Denver.
3. Jonah Coleman and the Broncos' backfield: Immediately after returning from a four-game stint on injured reserve, rookie running back Jonah Coleman led Denver's backfield in snaps and touches last Sunday. After a 30-16 win in which Coleman totaled 69 yards on 11 touches, coach Sean Payton said the rookie has earned more opportunities. Could we see Coleman earn his first career start on Sunday, with RJ Harvey rotating in for passing downs and J.K. Dobbins getting demoted to RB3 duties?
4. Bo Nix rebounding after Week 1: Nix struggled in the Broncos' season opener, going 17-of-28 passing for 131 yards with one touchdown, four sacks, three fumbles and one interception in a 31-10 loss. He's had better games since then and appeared to take a nice step forward in a 30-16 win over Arizona last week. The third-year QB will look to prove that last week wasn't a fluke when he faces a tougher defense on Sunday.
5. First place in the AFC West: Denver would move into first place in the AFC West with a 6-2 record if they beat the Chiefs and drop them to 5-2 on Sunday. If the Broncos lose, KC would improve to 6-1 and increase their lead in the division after sweeping Denver. The result of this matchup could end up having huge implications in the AFC West as the two clubs enter the second half of the season.
Sunday's game (4:25 p.m. MT) will be televised across most of the country on CBS (view the TV broadcast map). Despite playing at home, the Broncos are considered underdogs against their division rival this week.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X!
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. Chiefs: 5 storylines to watch with AFC West lead up for grabs
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
