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Broncos vs. Chiefs: Blast from the past

Looking back at the best & worst games played against 2014 opponents

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CHirs Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

This is the next in a series of short articles which will hold up up what I see as Denver's best (and worst) game against each of the Broncos' 2014 opponents. Feel free to disagree with my choices and share your own views in the comments section. Let's lift up Denver's great (and "bummer") moments to keep the history, traditions and rivalries stoked. It should be noted that in many cases the choice was made based upon the final margin of victory (or defeat).

Denver vs the Kansas City Chiefs

Best Game: December 30, 2012
Score: Denver 38, Kansas City 3

What makes this game great: There were a couple of different reasons for choosing this game. First, it had a very large margin of victory -- five touchdowns. Second, it was the game that put an exclamation point on the 2012 regular season -- Manning's first at the helm of the Broncos, last game in an eleven game winning streak, the game that gave the Broncos a 13-3 record after a 2-3 start. The Chiefs put up a valiant fight, but in the end were simply dominated by Denver. The Broncos led by 7, then by 4, then by 11 and by 18 at the half before extending that lead to 35 in the fourth quarter. The Broncos put up 32 first downs to Kansas City's 8. They amassed 488 yards to the Chiefs 119. Denver was 5 of 5 in the red zone, compared to Kansas City's 0 of 2. The Broncos simply dominated.

Worst Game: September 7, 1963
Score: Kansas City 59, Denver 7

What makes this game horrible: This game was a simple case of the Chiefs totally destroying the Broncos in the 1963 season opener. It was an even worse loss since it came in Denver. Not only were the Broncos out-gained 478 yards to 181, but Denver quarterbacks Frank Tripucka and Mickey Slaughter combined to throw a ridiculous five interceptions. When we add in the two fumbles the Broncos gave up, Denver surrendered seven turnovers in that game -- a sure recipe for disaster. Kansas City scored on the opening drive and never looked back. After an exchange of punts, the Broncos had begun to move the ball when Tripucka threw a screen pass that was intercepted and, according to the game's gamebook "Runs for touchdown behind a horde of blockers." The Chiefs led 28-7 at the half and 49-7 at the end of three.

The Broncos have won four straight games against the Chiefs and have won two straight at home. With new injuries and the Chiefs' showing in Week 1, it is hard to imagine that the Broncos will not continue their winning ways.

Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $250,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 2's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first place wins $25,000. Starts Sunday, September 14th at 1pm ET. Here's the link.