Chiefs defeat Broncos, get set for Lions

The Kansas City Chiefs problems against the run continued last Sunday in a big way, as the Denver Broncos' Clinton Portis racked up 218 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-27 Denver win.

The Chiefs still managed to clinch a playoff berth though, thanks to a loss by the Miami Dolphins. However, they will need to keep winning to clinch a division title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Once again, the Chief's defense allowed a runner to run through them and take complete control of the game.

The scoring started in the first quarter when Portis ran in from 11 yards to make it 7-0. The Chiefs answered towards the end of the quarter, when Priest Holmes ran the ball in from two yards out to put tie the game, 7-7.

Portis scored again early in the second quarter on a one-yard run, which put the Broncos ahead 14-7. The Chiefs answered back with Holmes scoring on a one-yard run of his own to tie it 14-14.

Denver's Jason Elam added a field goal on the Broncos next possession, giving Denver the lead 17-14.

Then, with a little over a minute left in the first half, Trent Green hooked up with Eddie Kennison on a 42-yard pass to put the Chiefs up 21-17 at the half.

The Broncos scored the first touchdown of the second half when Denver quarterback Jake Plummer connected on a three-yard pass to Rueben Droughns to make it 24-21. It was a lead Denver would keep the rest of the way.

After the Chief's failed to score on their next possession, Portis broke away for his first run of 50-plus yards on the day, a 59-yard touchdown run to make it 31-21.

Portis broke through the seemingly porous Chief's run defense two more times for touchdowns, a 28-yarder and a 53 yarder, to make it 45-21.

The Chiefs managed to get one more TD on a one-yard run by Green, which made it 45-27 (the two point conversion failed), but that was as close as they would get for the rest of the day.

Once again, a big weakness in the Chief's defense was exposed as they allowed yet another running back to rack up 100-plus yards. This should be of great concern to the Chiefs and they should start trying to do something about it before they find themselves making an early exit from the playoffs.

Speaking of playoffs, the Chiefs did manage to clinch a playoff berth thanks to the Miami Dolphins loosing to the New England Patriots. The Chiefs can still clinch a division title with win or tie in their next game or a Denver loss or tie in the Bronco's next game.

Chiefs vs. Lions preview

The Chiefs might get a little bit of a break this Sunday, as the Detroit Lions come into Arrowhead stadium. The Lions have been terrible on the road and don't feature a strong running game or an accurate passing game. This might be exactly what the Chief's need to help get back on track and get that win that they need to clinch their division.

However, the Chiefs should take the Lions seriously, because they have played some pretty good games this season. Still, they have a tough time on the road and are coming off a 14-7 loss to the Chargers last Sunday in San Diego.

The Lions rely a lot on Joey Harrington and the passing game to get them through games. Harrington can be a hot quarterback at times, while at other times he can make a lot of mistakes and lose the game.

The key to keeping Harrington off balance is pressure. The Chiefs will have to apply a lot of pressure up front to hurry and harass Harrington who will then force his throws. Often times he winds up being intercepted or throws an incomplete pass.

The Lions running game is not at all that strong. Through last week, the Lions had a team total of 1,036 yards this season and don't even have a runner over 500 yards. Their passing stats also are low. Harrington has thrown for just over 2,600 yards so far this season, while there is not one receiver on the team who has over 400 yards receiving. However, there are five receivers who are about even in yardage, which proves that Harrington likes to spread the ball around.

The Lions defense is not as bad as the numbers would indicate, as they have remained close in some contests, but then have been blown out in others. The defense is two weeks removed from what could be called a "spectacular game" against Green Bay, and they didn't do too badly against San Diego. One player that the Chiefs need to pay attention to is Dre Bly, who had a great game against the Packers on Thanksgiving Day. The Chiefs need to be aware of him at all times.

The Lions' run defense is allowing 146 yards per game, but they do have two run stuffers in Barrett Green and Dan Wilkinson who might give the Chiefs some headaches. If they can block those two out of the play, the Chiefs and Holmes could have a huge day running the football and controlling the clock.

It's never safe to say that any team in the NFL is easy to beat or that playing any one team could give another team a victory, but the Chief's offense is probably going to be too much for the Lion's defense to handle. Expect a big day rushing from Holmes, as they will look keep the ball on the ground for what promises to be a chilly afternoon at Arrowhead. That will also keep the ball out of the hands of Harrington who can win games in the air if everything works out to his advantage. However, with Charles Rodgers gone and Az Hazir Hakim injured, Harrington might not have too many choices to go with.

The Chiefs also will be fired up and ready to play as they look to clinch the AFC West title and keep pace with the Patriots for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Look for them to take it to the Lions this Sunday.