Chiefs vs. Broncos prediction, bets: Patrick Mahomes grabs control in tight AFC West

Denver’s record suggests the Broncos are one of the AFC’s best teams, but a closer look reveals a different story.Despite winning five of their first seven games, the Broncos have outscored opponents by just three points while getting outgained by more than 600 yards over that stretch. The Chiefs, who will come to town on Sunday for a huge divisional battle, have a plus-40 point differential, even after their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks last Sunday.Denver’s offense has been the biggest concern. Bo Nix has completed just 59.2 percent of his passes this season, averaging a tiny 5.8 yards per attempt, and threw for 123 and 107 yards in consecutive wins over the Chargers and Seahawks. Those limitations are especially concerning against a Kansas City defense that’s been well above average this year, allowing only five yards per play heading into Week 8.The first meeting between these teams offered a pretty convincing blueprint for the Chiefs, who rolled to a 31-10 victory in Week 1, limiting Denver to 176 yards and nine first downs while Kenneth Walker ran for 173 yards and scored twice.There’s reason to think Kansas City can replicate at least some of that success. Star cornerback Pat Surtain II is dealing with an ankle injury, Zach Allen tweaked his hamstring on Sunday, and Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a chest issue, leaving three of the Broncos’ biggest names in question. Kansas City has its own problems, particularly with Rashee Rice missing time, and the offense was dreadful in Seattle. I’m betting that game was the exception and not the beginning of a trend.The pick: Chiefs -1.5 (-110, FanDuel Sportbook)Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports.He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA....