NFL Research takes a look at some key facts and stats to prepare for the Chiefs-Broncos matchup on Sunday night. Entering Week 12, these teams hold both of the Wild Card spots in the AFC.
Game time: Sunday, November 27 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Game location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High
TV: NBC
Broncos at home: 4-1
Chiefs on the road: 3-2
Season series: These teams haven't played yet in 2016. They play on Sunday and on Christmas Day in Kansas City (Week 16).
Game facts: Kansas City Chiefs
Key injuries on defense: CB Marcus Peters (hip) and OLB Dee Ford (hamstring) are both battling injuries this week. Peters is tied for the league lead with five interceptions and leads the NFL with 15 passes defensed. Ford is tied for the league lead with 10 sacks.
(UPDATE: Ford was officially ruled OUT on Friday, while Peters was ruled QUESTIONABLE)
Leaders of the takeaway: Kansas City's defense has forced 23 turnovers this season (most in the NFL).
Defining stat: The Chiefs are 7-0 when they have one or zero turnovers on offense. Conversely, Kansas City is 0-3 when it has multiple giveaways.
Next Gen Stat: Alex Smith has the quickest pass release time (2.38 seconds) and 2nd-shortest average pass distance (5.6 air yards per attempt) in the NFL.
Smith slumping: In his first seven games this year, Alex Smith had a 94.3 passer rating. In his last two games, Smith has posted an 80.5 rating.
Offense struggling: In the last three weeks, Kansas City has averaged 18.7 points per game and 276.7 yards per game.
Game facts: Denver Broncos
Talib is back: CB Aqib Talib returns to the Broncos defense after missing the last three games (back injury). Talib has allowed a 40.2 passer rating while in coverage this season.
No-fly zone: Denver's defense has allowed a 71.0 passer rating to opposing QBs this year (1st in NFL).
Mind-blowing stat: Denver averages 8.1 QB hits per game this season, which is the highest such average since QB hits became an official stat in 2000.
Achilles heel on defense: The Broncos defense has allowed a league-worst 476 passing yards to tight ends and running backs lined up in the slot, per Next Gen Stats.
Missing C.J.: The Broncos have averaged just 64.3 rush yards per game since C.J. Anderson was placed on injured reserve (Week 8).
Siemian slumping: In his first four games this year, Trevor Siemian had a 4-0 record and a 99.6 passer rating. In his last five starts, Siemian has a 3-2 record and a 77.2 rating.
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