Peyton Manning versus Alex Smith. That's really it in a nutshell. The Broncos have yet to lose in five games against the Chiefs with Manning at quarterback. Smith is 0-3 against the Broncos during this span.

Manning has thrown 18 touchdown passes to wide receivers this season. Smith has yet to connect with a wide receiver for a touchdown. It's just another plus for Denver if star tight end Julius Thomas plays. He has 12 receiving touchdowns. No receiver has scored more touchdowns.

Three of the Chiefs' key defensive players are Justin Houston, safety Eric Berry and linebacker Derrick Johnson. Johnson was lost early in the season for the year. Houston hasn't sacked Manning in three games and Berry now is out for the year after being diagnosed with a possible cancerous mass in his chest.

Thanks to C.J. Anderson, the Broncos now have a balanced attack. He's averaged 5.6 yards per carry during the last three games giving Denver its best running back play of the season. He also is dangerous out of the backfield.

The Chiefs rely almost solely on Jamaal Charles. He's a magnificent runner, but he can't do it alone especially when the Broncos will be keying on him.

Denver's offense gets all the attention ranking in the top five in scoring and passing. But its run defense ranks No. 2 holding foes to 75.5 yards on the ground.