Preview for Week 4 showdown

The Denver Broncos (2-1) will host the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Monday, Oct. 1 at 6:15 p.m. MT on ESPN. Read our quick preview for the game below. 

Broncos’ keys to victory: If Denver can establish a rushing attack and build an early lead, its offense should be able to control the game. RB Royce Freeman and RB Phillip Lindsay have started the season hot, combining for 390 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. After establishing a ground game, QB Case Keenum can go after Kansas City’s linebackers, who have struggled in coverage this season. On defense, OLB Von Miller and OLB Bradley Chubb need to create pressure to slow down the Chiefs’ passing game.

Chiefs’ keys to victory: On defense, Kansas City needs to get in Keenum’s face. Through three games, Keenum has thrown five interceptions. A few of those have been poor decisions, others have been the result of being flustered by pressure. If the Chiefs can force Denver to rely on Keenum’s arm instead of the legs of Freeman and Lindsay, the Broncos’ offense will struggle. On offense, QB Patrick Mahomes should target CB Isaac Yiadom, Denver’s fourth-string cornerback. Yiadom is the weakest link in the Broncos’ secondary.

Matchup to watch: Chiefs RT Mitchell Schwartz vs. Broncos OLB Von Miller. Schwartz has not allowed any sacks through three games while Miller has averaged more than one sack per game this year. Someone’s streak is going to end.

Who wins? The Broncos are playing at home, but their secondary is too banged up to slow down Mahomes. With CB Adam Jones (thigh) and CB Tramaine Brock (groin) battling injuries, Denver’s “No Fly Zone” secondary has regressed this season. The Broncos’ offense probably won’t be able to keep up with Kansas City’s high-scoring offense on Monday Night Football. Chiefs, 31-20.