The Kansas City Chiefs intercepted the Denver Broncos' quarterbacks five times in a dominant 29-13 Week 10 victory. Here's what you need to know:
- If the convincing Week 8 victory over Green Bay was the high point of Denver's season, Sunday was the nadir. Two weeks ago, Peyton Manning appeared to be on the verge of turning the corner and resuscitating the Broncos' offense. On the same day he was celebrated as the most prolific passer in history, however, Manning authored the ugliest outing of his career, leading to a third-quarter benching in favor of Brock Osweiler. After tossing four interceptions on Sunday, Manning is now on pace for a career-high 30. The question is whether coach Gary Kubiak allows an NFL legend to play through the mistakes or turns to Osweiler for the stretch run.
- This was a comprehensive beatdown by the Chiefs' defense, equivalent to the Broncos' dismantling of the Packers referenced above. Led by All-Pro pass rusher Justin Houston, defensive lineman Jaye Howard and Comeback Player of the Year candidate Eric Berry, Kansas City's defense has been one of the league's stingiest since its September struggles. With three consecutive victories, Andy Reid's squad is back in the AFC wild-card hunt.
- Strange but true: The Chiefs have played their best ball of the season since star halfback Jamaal Charles was lost for the season. Charcandrick West has been more than capable as a fill-in, averaging 133 yards from scrimmage during the three-game winning streak. The offense has also gotten a shot in the arm from De'Anthony Thomas, who has been utilized in a Tavon Austin-like role as a package-play threat. Ultimately, though, this is a field-goal offense in a touchdown league. While that's working just fine in November, it's not a sustainable formula for January success.
- Although Manning was the headliner, there was plenty of blame to go around for the Broncos' offensive woes. Offseason hype bunny Cody Latimer continues to struggle with route running, which led to an intentional grounding penalty for Manning. The ground attack, believed to be hitting its stride after the Packers game, was non-existent on Sunday. The offensive line remains one of the league's least reliable. The Broncos travel to Chicago for a date with the suddenly surging Bears before a Week 12 clash with the undefeated Patriots.