Week 13: Broncos-Chiefs

Nov 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) hands the ball off to running back Knowshon Moreno (27) in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are coming off of losses in Week 12. Denver of course losing to the New England Patriots after a botched punt return leading to a game-winning field-goal for Brady and company, while the Chiefs lost to the Chargers at home, 41-38. Denver and Kansas City both sit atop the AFC West at 9-2, and the winner of this match-up will be the one seed, in the drivers seat.

Running back Knowshon Moreno is coming off of a career game. He would gash the New England Patriots defense for 224 yards on 37 carries. However, he was injured later in the game suffering a right ankle injury. The MRI showed no significant damage and he was at practice for Denver Friday. Here is an update of Knowshon Moreno, Julius Thomas, Champ Bailey, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie via Mike Klis twitter account:

"RB Knowshon Moreno, TE Julius Thomas, CB Champ Bailey moving better in practice today. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie appeared limited."

Both Knowshon Moreno and Champ Bailey are probable, Julius Thomas and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are questionable. Also, Broncos DE Derek Wolfe didn’t travel with the team to Kansas City due to an illness.

The Chiefs would have injuries of their own in Week 12 as well. Tamba Hali would suffer a sprained ankle and did practice Friday so he should be a go Sunday. Justin Houston however, partially dislocated his elbow and did not practice. Both players have combined for 19 sacks on the season.

 Keys To The Game:

Denver Broncos: Attack the Chiefs secondary. The Chiefs have allowed eleven pass plays for over 20+ yards in their last two games combined. Denver will have the edge with all the options they have at wide-out and tight-end. Denver ranks first in the National Football League in pass yards per game at 330.5.

Kansas City Chiefs: Control the clock: The easiest way for Denver not to score is when Peyton Manning isn’t on the field. The Chiefs will need to run their offense and not commit turnovers and they will be right in it with Denver.

Prediction: Denver Broncos over the Kansas City Chiefs, 30-23.

Notes: Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list with a dislocated hip.

Broncos wide-receiver Demaryius Thomas is 45-yards shy of 1,000 receiving yards on the season.