NFL Week 11 Preview: Chiefs vs. Broncos and Playoff Implications

The upcoming Week 11 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos has significant playoff implications for both teams. According to CBS Sports, the Broncos enter this game boasting an 8-2 record and a one-game lead in the AFC West over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite their current seven-game winning streak, the Broncos are not guaranteed the division title, making a home victory against the Chiefs crucial for their chances. The game will take place at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. Denver has enjoyed a solid home record, remaining undefeated at 5-0 this season, while the Chiefs have struggled on the road with a 1-3 record, which includes a season-opening loss to the Chargers in Brazil.

Historically, the Chiefs have dominated the matchup against the Broncos, holding a 73-56 all-time series lead and winning 16 consecutive meetings from 2015 to 2023. However, Denver has recently won two of the last three games, both at home. The Broncos' success can be attributed to their strong defense, which ranks third in total defense and first in sacks with 46. Key players like Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper have been instrumental in their defensive dominance.

On the offensive side, rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been impressive, ranking fifth in the NFL with 18 touchdown passes. However, injuries could impact the Broncos, particularly with running back J.K. Dobbins, who may land on injured reserve after suffering a foot injury last week. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, currently 5-4, have rebounded from a rough start but faced a setback against the Buffalo Bills two weeks ago. Patrick Mahomes leads their offense, ranking fifth in passing yards and seventh in touchdown passes.

The stakes are high for playoff positioning. CBS Sports reports that a victory for the Broncos would increase their chances of winning the AFC West to over 70%, while a Chiefs win would boost their chances to around 35%. Conversely, a loss for the Broncos would not significantly damage their playoff prospects, as they still have a 94.9% chance of making the postseason, while the Chiefs' chances would drop to 64.4% with a loss. Despite their current record, the Chiefs still hold a slight edge in Super Bowl odds compared to the Broncos, reflecting their recent history of success.

As for betting odds, the Chiefs are currently favored by 3.5 points, a testament to their historical dominance in this matchup. However, the close nature of recent games suggests a competitive clash ahead, with CBS Sports predicting a narrow victory for Kansas City by a score of 22-21. With both teams having so much on the line, this Week 11 showdown promises to be a pivotal moment in the AFC West race.