A look at Broncos-Chiefs through the years

Good morning, Broncos Country!

It’s finally arrived.

The end of the 2017 Denver Broncos season is here. What better way to ring in the new year? After today we can put this dreadful campaign to bed and get excited about what John Elway and his minions will do fix this two-year mess.

Before that happens, we have to endure a glorified preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6), who will rest their starters in preparation for the inevitable loss in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs. For the Broncos (5-10), most hope they do what they’ve done all season long — have a great week of practice and then not show up for the game. It’s all to ensure the higher pick in the NFL Draft.

Here’s a look at the regular-season history between these two rivals. The notes are courtesy of Denver’s weekly release.

• Sunday’s game in Denver marks the 115th regular-season game between the Broncos and Chiefs. Denver is 54-60-0 in those games -- 35-22 at home; 19-38 on the road. The first game was Oct. 30, 1960, at Bears Stadium. The Dallas Texans beat the Broncos 17-14.

• The last game played between the Broncos and Chiefs was earlier this season when KC beat Denver 29-19 at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos are now on a four-game losing streak to the Chiefs heading into the season finale. In that time, Denver has three wins in the playoffs while KC has one.
• The last Broncos home win over the Chiefs was Sept. 14, 2014, 24-17. This was the day Denver inducted Gene Mingo, Dan Reeves and Rick Upchurch in the Ring of Fame (my wife and I were there. It was awesome to witness). The last home loss was last season when the Broncos lost 30-27 in OT.
• The last Broncos road win over the Chiefs was Sept. 17, 2015, 31-24. The forced fumble returned for a touchdown by Bradley Roby was the first indication of what a special season that would be for Denver. The last Broncos road loss came earlier this season.

• The Broncos longest winning streak is eight games that took place Oct. 24, 1976-Oct. 28, 1979. The longest winning streak for the Chiefs is 11 games that took place Nov. 1, 1964-Nov. 27, 1969.
• The Broncos have shutout the Chiefs once in this series, 21-0 on Sept. 23, 1984, at Mile High Stadium. The Chiefs also have shutout Denver once in this series, 16-0 on Dec. 6, 1970, at Arrowhead Stadium.
• The most points the Broncos have scored in this series is 49 in a 49-29 win on Nov. 14, 2010, at Mile High. The most points for the Chiefs is 59 in a 59-7 win on Sept. 7, 1963, in KC. The largest Broncos win over the Chiefs is 35 points in a 38-3 victory on Dec. 30, 2012, at Mile High. The largest Chiefs win over Denver is 52, that 59-7 win in 1963 in Kansas City. The most combined points for the Broncos and Chiefs is 88, a 49-39 KC win on Nov. 1, 1964, in Kansas City. The fewest combined points is 10, a 7-3 Chiefs win on Jan. 1, 2012 at Mile High.
• An interesting note about this series: The Chiefs franchise started 25-2 vs. the Broncos (1960-73). Since then, Denver has gone 52-34, yet it still trails in the all-time series. That's remarkable, all thanks to the first 13 years.
• The Broncos and Chiefs have only met once in the playoffs, in the AFC divisional round on Jan. 4, 1998, in Kansas City. Denver won that game 14-10 to advance to the AFC title game in Pittsburgh.

• The Broncos enter Sunday’s game with a 2-3 record in the AFC West. With a win, Denver ensures at least a .500 record in divisional play for the 37th time in 48 seasons overall (and 20th time in the last 22 years).
• Broncos owner Pat Bowlen can pass former Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis for the fifth most regular-season wins and all-time victories by an NFL owner. Mr. B currently sits at 327 regular-season wins & 348 overall victories. He needs to be in Pro Football Hall of Fame.
• Broncos linebacker Von Miller needs 2.5 sacks to move into the NFL's top 50 in career sacks (he currently sits at 83.5).
• Roby, with one pass defended, will become the first Broncos player since Chris Harris Jr. in 2014 with 17 passes defended in a season.
• Broncos running back C.J. Anderson needs 54 yards rushing to become the first Denver running back to net 1,000 yards in a season since Knowshon Moreno (1,038) in 2013.

Broncos Tracks

Three Keys to Broncos-Chiefs
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Mason's Mailbag: Making the ground game work over the long term
Since 2000, only one team has run the ball better than Denver, even though the Broncos have been through plenty of different running backs.

Ryan Clady provides perspective on Garett Bolles' rookie season
The former two-time All-Pro left tackle says Garett Bolles has the foundation to be a good player.

Where Are They Now: Tom Jackson
Jim Saccomano catches up with the recently retired Tom Jackson.

Broncos to celebrate fan appreciation during Sunday's game vs. Chiefs
The Broncos will show appreciation for their fans throughout the day on Sunday for the final home game of the season.

Broncos' C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas have last shot at 1,000 yards
The Broncos won't be chasing a championship this season, but a couple of their offensive players are within reach of personal benchmarks.

From Sergio Dipp to Mike McCoy, the 9 best and worst moments of 2017 Broncos | 9news.com
We combined the two to form the 9 best and worst moments of the Broncos’ season heading into their New Year’s Eve game Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs 

Matt Paradis calls it 'pretty cool' to have played every snap last three seasons - Denver7 TheDenverChannel.com
Broncos center Matt Paradis considers himself 'lucky' to have played every snap last three seasons.

Troy Renck: 7 things Broncos need to fix this offseason - Denver7 TheDenverChannel.com
The Broncos are looking to rebound. Multiple steps are needed to return the team to the playoffs.

NFL - The best and worst moments of 2017 for every team
Choosing the best moment for the Broncos must have been a chore. Can we choose today?

Here is how Denver is preparing for Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes | The Kansas City Star
Chiefs rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes will make his first NFL start on Sunday in Denver, and the Broncos admit they know very little about him.

Chiefs Tracks

Chiefs' non-starters could see more action Sunday | The Kansas City Star
It’s likely the Kansas City Chiefs will play several players who aren’t starters in the season finale against the Denver Broncos. In a similar situation five years ago, safety Ron Parker and defensive end Allen Bailey took full advantage of this opportunity.

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes could've played pro baseball | The Kansas City Star
Mahomes is the quarterback of the future for the Chiefs, but there was a time he may have been the starting pitcher of the future for a major league baseball team. When he was in high school, one national website said he may have been the best all-around athlete in the country.

Before getting Patrick Mahomes II, Chiefs had interest in Paxton Lynch
On Sunday, the Chiefs will face the quarterback they might have drafted if the Broncos hadn't moved up to snag him.

The good Alex Smith is back - Arrowhead Pride
I wasn’t sure how well Alex had played against the Dolphins. For one reason or another, I recalled a couple of dangerous throws and a few inaccurate ones more than a lot of other plays made.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes first start: What to watch for - Arrowhead Pride
It’s a good time to be a Chiefs fan. Kansas City has wrapped up the AFC West for the second year in a row (unbelievably, this is the first time that’s ever happened).

NFL Tracks

Jimmy Garoppolo is succeeding with the 49ers and Patriots fans miss him - SBNation.com
But most are happy for his success with the 49ers.

Jimmy Garoppolo can’t stop winning. What makes the 49ers QB so damn good? - SBNation.com
The 49ers found their franchise QB, and what a difference he’s made! Retired NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz breaks down the secret to Jimmy G’s success.

Giants new GM Dave Gettleman promises return of 'big-boy football’ - SBNation.com
Gettleman is back with the Giants, and his first order of business is to fix the offensive line.

Buccaneers won’t fire head coach Dirk Koetter, despite 4-11 record - SBNation.com
Jameis Winston's regression and an average defense led to Tampa Bay firing Dirk Koetter.

NFL Week 17 matchups: Can Cam Newton knock Falcons out?
An NFC South tilt stands as Week 17's game with the highest stakes.

Biggest Week 17 NFL questions, stats and predictions - NFL Nation- ESPN
Who will lock up the remaining postseason berths? Will Eli Manning be playing in his last game with the Giants? Yes, Week 17 should be interesting.

Dez Bryant Cowboys Future, Gurley MVP Case | SI.com
Plus, Kamara vs. Kupp for Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Falcons’ flaws, why Seattle’s offense is struggling, and Cam Newton carrying a bigger load in Carolina

NFL faces major challenges heading into 2018
The NFL had a very bad year. Pro football isn't dying, but there are many signs that it may have hit peak popularity, and is leveling off or even on its way down.

NFL's Most Popular Head Coach Candidates, 2018 Edition | SI.com
It's easy for NFL teams to compile a list of worthy head coaching candidates. But what do their fans think?

What's the best head coaching job? NFL execs weigh in - NFL.com
Tom Pelissero asks a handful of potential head coaches, coaching agents, NFL executives and others, what's the best head coaching job that could come open this year? Plus, five big Week 16 questions.

On Football: Some 2017 NFL memories, good and bad - ABC News
There were some good and bad from the 2017 season.

John Harbaugh delivers NFL's most overlooked coaching performance - AFC North- ESPN
When the Ravens stumbled to a 4-5 start, Harbaugh kept his players focused and became the guiding force as the team won five of its next six games.

Andrew Luck believes he'll be ready for 2018 season - NFL.com
Colts QB Andrew Luck addressed the media for the first time since he was placed on injured reserve in November. After rehabbing in the Netherlands, Luck believes he will be ready for next year.

NFL legends who just didn't look right in another team's jersey - CBSSports.com
In honor of James Harrison going to the Pats, we look back at big names who floundered in new places.