The Denver Broncos are hosting the Kansas City Chiefs (3-12) Sunday, and it is a must-win game for the Broncos (8-7).  Their playoff hopes are still alive, barely.  After losing their third straight game last week against the Eagles, the Broncos playoff chances almost disappeared.  To still make it, the Broncos obviously have to win this game but they also need the Jets, Ravens, and Steelers to lose.  The first part should be easy, as the Chiefs give up 380 yards per game including 161 on the ground.  Josh McDaniels is benching Brandon Marshall, but the Broncos don’t need much out of their passing game since the Chiefs cannot stop the run.  The Broncos have a very strong running game and average 116 rushing yards per game.  They may rush for close to 200 in this one, with Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter splitting the carries.

On defense, the Broncos need to shut down Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles.  Charles is averaging 132 rushing yards per game in the Chiefs last three contests, and if the Broncos can shut him down it makes things even harder for the Chiefs’ struggling passing game.  If Chiefs’ quarterback Matt Cassel gets no run-support, he will have to pass more increasing the odds of an interception.  He has thrown 15 picks this season, so the Broncos secondary should be ready to make some plays.  The Broncos have more incentive to win this game and are the better team, so they should not have a problem with the Chiefs.

PREDICTION:  Denver Broncos 28, Kansas City Chiefs 10