Chiefs at Broncos
THE STORY: When the Denver Broncos waived quarterback Kyle Orton on Nov. 22, the last thing they could have hoped for was Orton returning to Denver in Week 17 with a chance to help ruin the Broncos’ season. Orton and the Kansas City Chiefs will try to just that Sunday in a situation that some saw coming as soon as Orton put on a Chiefs’ uniform. The Broncos have lost two straight, including a 40-14 debacle at Buffalo last week, but will win the AFC West with a victory. Denver can also clinch the division and its first trip to the playoffs since 2005 with an Oakland loss to San Diego. The game would have been a winner-take-all affair if Kansas City didn’t lose at home to the Raiders 16-13 in overtime last week. The Broncos have won nine of their last 10 at home against the Chiefs and also prevailed at Kansas City 17-10 in Week 10.
TV: CBS, 4:15 p.m. ET. LINE: Broncos -3.5, O/U 37
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (6-9): Orton is 1-1 since taking over as Kansas City’s starter, including a 19-14 victory in Week 15 that halted Green Bay’s bid for a perfect season. The Chiefs had a chance to beat Oakland on the final play of regulation last week, but Ryan Succop’s 50-yard field goal attempt was blocked. Kansas City stayed in the race almost until the end despite losing its top defensive back – Eric Berry – and running back – Jamaal Charles – in the first two weeks.
ABOUT THE BRONCOS (8-7): If Denver makes the playoffs, John Fox will be a strong candidate to win his first NFL Coach of the Year award. Fox, though, may have to make the biggest adjustments of his coaching career this week. Defenses are starting to figure out the offense by not sending their pass rushers deeper than Tim Tebow’s drop-back position in order to clog the running lanes. Also, Orton knows the Broncos’ offense and was still on the team when the option package was installed. Denver must take care of the ball better: It has seven turnovers in its last two games, and is minus-11 this season.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. Tebow threw five interceptions in his first 12 career starts before uncorking three last week.
2. Orton won his first six games with the Broncos in 2009, but wound up 12-21 in 33 starts with Denver.
3. Three Broncos were named to the Pro Bowl team – cornerback Champ Bailey (11th time), defensive end Elvis Dumervil (second) and rookie linebacker Von Miller.