Broncos Week 2 Outlook: 5 Things To Look For Against The Chiefs

The Denver Broncos pulled off a dramatic victory in Week 1 against the Ravens, and are looking to keep that momentum going against the Chiefs on Thursday night. Here are five things to look for in that matchup:

5) Will the defense continue to dominate?

Aqib Talib. Von Miller. DeMarcus Ware. Chris Harris. The Denver Broncos’ 2015 defense will be a cup overflowing with elite, proven commodities. From a pure individual talent perspective, there are very few defenses out there that can hang with the Broncos, let alone offenses. They limited Baltimore to just 173 total yards, and will look to do the same to Kansas City.

4) Will Demaryius Thomas have a big game?

Demaryius has become one of the NFL’s truly elite playmakers, though he didn't show it in the box score on Sunday. However, his presence alone and the double teams that will come along with it should open the Broncos offense for other impact performers to shine. Add in the all-world stats that he’s bound to put up, and there’s really no chance for opponents to stop Denver's offense for long when he's on the field.

3) Can someone in the backfield step up?

The biggest thing that will help Peyton Manning is a dependable running game, and these three formed a fairly competent running-back-bay-committee approach last year. That wasn't the case in Week 1 as the Broncos racked up just 69 yards rushing - that simply won't cut. One of the three (C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillard, Montee Ball) need to produce in a big way to make this offense two-dimensional.

2) Will the offensive line play better?

Peyton Manning was sacked four times against the Ravens. That just can not happen for Manning's long-term health this season, and without him, this team won't be successful. The line needs to keep him upright if the Broncos are going to win this game.

1) Can Peyton Manning produce?

The future Hall of Famer has many great facets to his overall game, but it's his "eff you" mentality when it comes to silencing haters and doubters which will lead to big things in 2015. A motivated Peyton Manning is a dangerous Peyton Manning, and he'll head into the regular season with his tail on fire and a chip on his shoulder in what could very well be his final NFL season.

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