Broncos @ Chiefs game preview:

The Kansas City Chiefs are rolling into Week 10 at 8-0, looking to keep their flawless record intact against the 5-4 Denver Broncos at GEHA Field. This is the Chiefs' first home AFC West matchup of the season, and a win would not only improve their record to 9-0 but also push their streak of consecutive victories to 14—no small feat.

On the other side, the Broncos have quietly positioned themselves as contenders for second place in the AFC West, sitting just behind the 5-3 Chargers. Denver is hoping to capitalize on any Chiefs slip-up and ruin the perfect start, but with Kansas City's defense playing lights-out and Mahomes at the helm, the odds are stacked against them. Can Denver play the spoiler, or will the Chiefs take care of business once again? Let's have a look at the key matchups that will likely decide the matchup:

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Patrick Surtain vs. Deandre Hopkins

In last week’s game preview against the Bucs, I highlighted how DeAndre Hopkins would likely become a huge factor, especially with an extra week to study the playbook and build rapport with Mahomes. Safe to say I was spot on with that prediction. "Nuk" left Monday Night Football with a stellar 8 catches for 86 yards and two touchdowns, driving Kansas City to a thrilling 30-24 overtime win. Coincidence that Mahomes put up his best numbers of the season (34-of-44 for 291 yards and 3 TDs) with a bona fide, chain-moving NFL receiver at his side? I don’t think so.

But this week brings a new test, one in the form of Patrick Surtain II. You’ve likely heard his name—it’s usually mentioned with respect. Similar to the Chiefs’ own Trent McDuffie, Surtain is the kind of corner you don’t hear from much because quarterbacks rarely test him. His skill set is intimidating, to say the least, and if he’s glued to Hopkins on the outside, this could easily be the matchup that defines the game.

With Surtain likely following Hopkins stride for stride, the Chiefs offense could find itself tested—especially given the lack of other star power at receiver. A few years ago, this Hopkins-Surtain showdown would have been absolute fireworks, and it still could be. But with Surtain’s youth giving him an edge over the 32-year-old Hopkins, the advantage might just lean towards Denver here.

2. Chris Jones vs. Denver's interior

Bo Nix might not be setting any highlight reels ablaze nine games into his rookie year, but he's been holding his own. His 1,753 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions stack up surprisingly close to Mahomes’ stats this season. And that's impressive, especially considering Denver hasn’t exactly been able to ground and pound with star back Javonte Williams averaging a modest 3.8 yards per carry.

A major culprit? The Broncos’ interior offensive line, which has been more sieve than shield lately. And now, they’re walking into Chris Jones’ house, where no offense comes out unscathed. Jones has a knack for taking over games single-handedly, and this one has all the signs of a classic Chris Jones wreck-fest. If he’s consistently in Nix’s face and the Chiefs continue stonewalling the Broncos’ run game, it’ll all fall on Nix to air it out. And right now? Asking the rookie to throw Denver to a win against this defense feels like a tall order.

3. Trent McDuffie vs. Courtland Sutton.

Building off of Jones' potential to wreck the interior, this matchup’s second layer is just as crucial: take away Denver’s biggest receiving threat, and suddenly Bo Nix is navigating deep waters without a paddle. If anyone’s capable of shutting down Courtland Sutton, it’s Trent McDuffie. Right now, McDuffie is playing like an All-Pro and has emerged as a true number-one corner in the absence of L’Jarius Sneed.

Sutton, however, isn’t a pushover. With 36 receptions for 499 yards and two touchdowns, he’s been the Broncos' most reliable option through the air. But here’s the thing: if McDuffie can lock down Sutton, Denver’s offense is going to be looking very one-dimensional, and the Chiefs can tighten the noose. On the flip side, if Sutton finds a rhythm, keeps the chains moving, and gives Denver a shot at an early lead, things could get interesting. For now, we’re betting on McDuffie to keep Sutton in check and make life as hard as possible for the Broncos.

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X-Factors

X-Factor 1: Mahomes ankle

I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who felt a heart attack coming on Monday night when Mahomes’ ankle buckled without any contact, and he had to be helped off by two trainers. Suddenly, that undefeated threepeat season felt like a fading dream, and the darkest possibilities crept into view. But hey, Mahomes came right back into the game, seemingly fine, and all that desperate worry turned out to be for nothing (thankfully).

As relieved as I am that he’s good to go for Sunday, it’s hard not to feel a bit on edge after seeing him pull up like that, especially considering his history with ankle injuries. Here’s hoping this was just a scare and not a sign of more trouble down the line. If the Chiefs want to keep their winning streak alive, having #15 at 100% is key—fingers crossed we don’t see him tweaking that ankle again anytime soon.

X-Factor 2: Xavier Worthy

While I was spot-on predicting D-Hop’s breakout Monday night, I have to admit I missed the mark with my call on Xavier Worthy being an x-factor. I figured with Nuk commanding more attention, maybe Worthy would sneak into some deep-shot territory—maybe even a highlight-reel touchdown or two. But alas, that didn’t happen. Worthy should have had a long TD in the first quarter, but a little lapse in field awareness kept it off the board.

Still, I’m doubling down on my bet. With Surtain likely locking in on Hopkins, I’m looking for Worthy to capitalize on those deep routes. Don’t be surprised if “Numero Uno” shows up big downfield on Sunday.

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Prediction

I’ll stand by this rationale until the Chiefs lose (hopefully sometime around the end of time).

New Weekly Prediction Tradition: My rule for picks is simple: I go with what the Chiefs have shown me. Sure, it hasn’t always been pretty, and maybe they haven’t hit their highest gear just yet. But here’s the thing—they’re still undefeated. So, until they give me a reason to doubt them, I’m sticking with them to win.

The Chiefs will have too much for Denver at Arrowhead. They’re starting to find their form, and while it might look close, I’m predicting 26-17, Chiefs.