Week 11 is paramount for the 8-2 Denver Broncos and the 5-4 Kansas City Chiefs. According to PFSN Analytics, a Broncos’ win puts the Chiefs’ odds to win the division at just 3%. And the Chiefs’ playoff odds would sit at 46.4%. If the Chiefs win, though, Kansas City’s odds to win the division jump to 20%. And the Chiefs’ odds to make the playoffs jump to 72.1%. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid chimed in on the impending game and the potential X factor.
Andy Reid on Chris Jones’ Slow Start
Reid talked about Chris Jones’ slow start with ESPN this week.
He said, “Chris is always striving to do better every day. That’s what has made him such a good player. Again, he’s the guy that they’re going to focus on, and if you’re getting a double team, that’s who’s getting doubled. He’ll get his as we go forward, it’s just important that he stays consistent and keeps working hard.”
The Chiefs’ defensive line vs. the Broncos’ offensive line is going to be fun to watch. Ahead of Week 11, the Broncos’ offensive line ranks No. 4 in pass block win rate, while the Chiefs’ defensive line ranks No. 20 in pass rush win rate. Double-teaming Jones this week may not be needed, though.
Hypothetically, though, this is where running back J.K. Dobbins’ absence comes into play. He is a good pass protector. In 11 personnel — one running back, one tight end — a double team requires the RB to step up in the pocket and take on a crashing down linebacker. Depending on the result, quarterback Bo Nix may have to attempt an off-target pass as opposed to a clean pocket.
RB RJ Harvey, though, should be up to the challenge. Head coach Sean Payton said, “You’re starting to see that (growth) with RJ (Harvey). And obviously, he’ll have more opportunities here in this game. So, yeah, he’s built when you see his frame. He’s built to last, and that’s important.”
Time will be our judge, but simply double-teaming Jones may be enough to contain him — even if it’s not needed. Elsewhere around the league, the league’s official website has picked the Chiefs to beat the Broncos in Week 11. At the same time, another NFL insider questioned whether Nix was the long-term answer at quarterback for the Broncos.