AFCW: Week 11

[Mile High Mania]

I feel like I'm having that moment in 'The Jerk' when Navin R. Johnson realizes the phone books just arrived. "It's here - It's here... Chiefs @ Broncos, sounds like your typical assholes are coming to town."

Anyway, this is what everyone around here has been clamoring about for months now, the only blemish is that it's 8-1 vs 9-0, but sole possession of first place is on the line here, and there's absolutely no lack for drama.

As I type this, the Manningverse is all lit up about the MRI that will be performed today and while it's definitely a concern, I don't see this being a case where he's missing the game. If that were to happen, then all bets are off as the 6'7 Sasquatch would see his first action... but again, that ain't happening.

Through 10 weeks, we have the following:

Chiefs 9-0
Broncos 8-1
Chargers 4-5
Raiders 3-6

Three games that matter, but really only one of any real importance as it relates to the race for the Division crown.

Raiders @ Texans
Neither team is really any good right now, but both have the potential to win this game. I'm keeping it easy here and sticking with the home team. Houston has better playmakers across the board, IMO. And, I like what Keenum has been doing. The Raiders look ... well, like the Raiders. I think it could be a fun game to watch, possibly, but the Texans win this one by 10.

Texans 27 / Raiders 17

Chargers @ Dolphins
As I type this, the Dolphins are in all kinds of disarray and preparing to battle the Bucs on MNF. So, no clue as to whether or not they're rolling into this game with a win or a loss.

Either way, I don't think it will matter as I believe the Chargers when this "battle of the coastal teams". San Diego has talent and they can put up points, but their defense is rather lame. I think this could be a good game, but the Chargers win this one after a big letdown at home vs the Broncos. Chargers fans will be teased into another few weeks of "maybe we can get a WC spot" before ultimately being disappointed after their team loses 4 of their final 6 games at the hands of Denver, KC (twice) and the Bengals.

Chargers 30 / Dolphins 17

Broncos vs Chiefs

There's not much more that can be said that isn't already being hotly debated on 72 other threads regarding this epic matchup. The Chiefs stroll into Denver with a perfect 9-0 record coming out of their bye week. The Chiefs are relatively healthy and determined to prove to everyone that they are without a doubt the best team in the land.

The Broncos slipped up against the Colts, and their defense has given up a fair amount of points and yards to every team they've played this season.

Every bit of success that Denver has is directly related to Manning - big shocker and with the ankle issues and the banged up Oline... there is cause for concern. The good news is that while the Chiefs have a nasty defense, their offense is fairly pedestrian.

I noted in another thread that if you were to compare Denver's production at home and KC's production on the road, it's not pretty for KC. In 4 road games, the Chiefs' offense has produced 5 TDs and 11 FGs, while the Defense and Special Teams has accounted for 5 other TDs. That's really good if you're a KC fan, but on the road in Denver... I think Smith and the passing game will have to become a bit more bold and productive, especially if Denver is successful in containing/limiting Charles.

I've thrown out a few random score predictions over the last week, but they all have one thing in common - I believe Denver wins this one by roughly 10 points. Yes, Manning is banged up - the Oline is banged up. The Chiefs defense is crazy nasty and will do all they can to hit Manning early, hard and often.

Can they be successful with this and can their offense put up 20+ points? I think Yes and No... it should be a fun game.

Broncos 34 / Chiefs 23

[Bewbies]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Yeah, but this Denver defense isn't quite as wretched as what KC once had... 5 of Denver's opponents have scored 21 or fewer points.

Denver gave up 48 and 39 respectively on the road at DAL and IND. Two teams with lots of firepower. Only 3 teams have scored more than 23 points.

Lots of those points were in garbage time with big double digit leads. It is what it is...

I remember when Dallas torched us for 16 points. Rough, rough day.

The interesting part of this game is that our strengths matchup, as do our weaknesses. I can't recall a game in a long time that matched up that way...

[Bewbies]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

The other thing that has been mentioned is the pace of the game...

Denver has 371 points scored through 9 games, with 156 of those coming in the first half (avg of 17.3) and 215 coming in the second half (avg of 24).

Denver is averaging a full 7 more points scored per game in the second half, after they've made their adjustments.

Through 9 games, only 3 teams have scored more than Denver in the second half.

Oak (10-14) in a loss. Dallas (23-28) in a loss. SD (7-14) in a loss.

In either half, Denver averages more points than KC's offense is putting out there... I guess we have a week's worth of this type of bullsh going back and forth.

Buckle up...

Take a look at our 4th quarters...

[Dayze]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

What is dink and duck?

I think it was a cartoon character duo from the 50's.

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by SNR

The 2003 Chiefs posted 2 shutouts, and held a bunch of opponents to less than 10 points.

Hell, that defense basically won the Denver game in Kansas City.

Just because you guys hold some opponents to small scoring outputs doesn't mean you don't suck.

2003? Maybe your years are crossed, I looked and saw no shutouts and saw two scores under 10 points allowed, another two with exactly 10 allowed.

Splitting hairs here, I think.

[Dayze]

essentially, both teams will have to play relatively mistake free football, is what it comes down to.

whoever can limit turnovers, dumbass/drive extending penalties, 30+ yd plays will likely come out on top

[Straight, No Chaser]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

That's about like me saying KC's D/ST won't score, is it not?

Denver's offense has produced 33 passing TDs, 11 rushing TDs and 12 FGs. I like their chances.

Sounds like the "irresistible force" vs. the "unstoppable object"

[MMXcalibur]

Chiefs 31, Broncos 0

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Hold them to Three Lil Richard playings and under...we got this. (nice TD music selection BTW)

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Straight, No Chaser

Sounds like the "irresistible force" vs. the "unstoppable object"

sounds like awesome v homo

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Serious, are you suggesting that Denver almost lost to the Jags? Move along, li'l fella.

Way to side step the question. You've faced shitty defenses. We've faced shitty offenses but Dallas put up 48 on you.

[Mother****erJones]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

It will certainly be interesting how they match up...

Demaryius Thomas @ 6'3-Sean Smith
Eric Decker @ 6'3-Cooper
Wes Welker @ 5'9-Flowers
Julius Thomas @ 6'5-Berry and co.

Then you have Moreno leading the Spare RBBC, but he's actually doing well and providing to be a nice safety valve in the passing game.

All the other guys, Ball, Tamme, Caldwell, Davis, etc... they're just fodder for various plays, but the big 5 present some serious challenges, even for a great defense like KC.

The OLINE has to pick up the pace and do their part.

Gona be a great matchup

[Mile High Mania]

Originally Posted by Mother****erJones

Way to side step the question. You've faced shitty defenses. We've faced shitty offenses but Dallas put up 48 on you.

Dallas has lots of weapons, but they are without question a totally different team at home compared to on the road.

[Contrarian]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Serious, are you suggesting that Denver almost lost to the Jags? Move along, li'l fella.

No I think you need to answer to that MHM. I am so curious as to what your answer is. Don't be sceeeeeaaaarrrrrrddd.

[Strongside]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Dallas has lots of weapons, but they are without question a totally different team at home compared to on the road.

JFC.

[Contrarian]

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania

Sorry - guess I should have mentioned that while 28 points by the offense was the lowest total for the year, they still had 397 total yards and 4 passing TDs while averaging over 6 yards a play. All that while only having the ball for less than 22 minutes.

My bad.

FOUND IT!
But that's how we roll dude! Do you realize it takes an opponent 3 times the amount of yards to score as it takes KC. Forget where the score comes from it just comes and it comes when it matters. You want to say the offense is pedestrian go ahead, we don't turn it over. But I think against your D the example of allowing the eh RB in San Diego to run crazy on your bottom feeder defense doesn't even compare to what Charles is going to do to you. OR Sherman, or Fasano, or McGrath, or Bowe, or Avery, or Hemmingway, or Alex for that matter.