Game-day details
Mon., 9 p.m. ET, Invesco Field at Mile High
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Partly sunny. High: 72. Low: 45.
Why To Watch
The Chiefs are making an early statement that they mean business. The defense has made a big improvement, and the already high-flying offense is even better with running back Larry Johnson complementing Priest Holmes and giving QB Trent Green another weapon.
Some of the Broncos' players are starting to show their age, but the team also has mixed in some solid, veteran play. Denver just avoided its first 0-2 start since 1999 with a big comeback vs. the Chargers, but facing the Chiefs on Monday night will be a much bigger challenge. This is a longtime division rivalry; Chiefs-Broncos games are always big.
Chiefs Keys For Success
1. Continue to stop the run. The Chiefs' defense has made a complete turnaround against the run. It must stay on a roll against the Broncos' offense, which is predicated on the run.
2. Keep pounding the ball. Kansas City's running game is even more impressive this season, with Holmes' good health and Johnson's emergence. Even without Pro Bowl offensive tackle Willie Roaf last week, the Chiefs did not deviate from their tendency to run left.
3. Big plays from the wide receivers. The Broncos' defense likely will key on stopping tight end Tony Gonzalez, and that puts more responsibility on the wide receivers. Eddie Kennison, Samie Parker and Dante Hall must step up vs. the Broncos' secondary. They should see single coverage all game long because of the coverage Gonzalez and Holmes will draw.
Broncos Keys For Success
1. Get QB Jake Plummer outside the pocket. Plummer's mobility and ability to make big throws on the move make him dangerous against the Chiefs' aggressive defense, which will blitz and leave openings for Plummer to exploit while buying time on the run. If the running game is working, Plummer can be very effective on rollouts off play action.
2. Pressure on Green. The Broncos' defense must get pressure on Green to keep him from having the time to go through his progressions. The defense must continue to mix its looks -- as it did last week in getting four sacks on the Chargers' Drew Brees -- to be effective vs. the Chiefs' very good offensive line.
3. Avoid making turnovers. The Broncos' offense still is not up to speed, and it doesn't have the firepower to overcome mistakes. Plummer has the tendency to forego discipline, trying to force big plays instead of practicing patience. He must take care of the ball, trust the defense and special teams and avoid forcing bad throws that cause turnovers.
Injuries at a glance
Chiefs injuries
9/11/05 Ryan Sims DT Foot sprain Could miss 2-3 weeks
6/19/05 Julian Battle CB Achilles' tendon Out for 2005 season
Broncos injuries
9/18/05 Tatum Bell RB Sprained ankle Day to day
9/16/05 Mike Anderson RB Ribs Probable for Week 2
9/19/05 Champ Bailey CB Shoulder Could be out several weeks
9/12/05 Courtney Brown DE Elbow
The Bottom Line
Denver's defense will not be able to handle Kansas City's offensive firepower, and its offense is not consistent enough to control the time of possession and keep the Chiefs' offense on the sideline. Look for Kansas City to improve to 3-0.
Pick: Chiefs 31, Broncos 17
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KC @ Denver
I can't believe I'm rooting for the Donkey's! 
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