Chiefs Face Critical Week 11 Matchup in Denver
The Kansas City Chiefs are heading on the road for a crucial Week 11 showdown against the Denver Broncos. This isn’t just another divisional game; their two prior matchups in 2024 proved challenging, and with playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Chiefs.
A loss against the Broncos would place the Chiefs in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs completely—a scenario deemed inexcusable for a team led by esteemed figures like coach Andy Reid, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The urgency for a win is palpable as they aim to get their season back on track.
Key Matchup: Rice vs. McMillian in the Slot
According to Thomas Valentine, a sports writer for Pro Football Focus, the pivotal individual battle to watch in this Week 11 contest will be Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice against Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.
Valentine notes, “Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (83.1 grade) has played outside more than anticipated since his return in Week 7, but he’s still dominant out of the slot. That’s where the Chiefs could look to utilize him against the Broncos — even without Pat Surtain II (68.6 grade; 28th) roaming the boundary.”
Rashee Rice’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Since returning from his suspension, Rice has consistently been a target, logging 20 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. However, he has yet to break the 100-yard mark in any of those contests, a streak that is likely to continue past Week 11 given the formidable opponent.
The Broncos’ defense ranks as the second-best in the NFL, presenting a significant challenge for the Chiefs’ offense. McMillian, despite Rice’s clear size advantage, is a tough matchup:
“Rice has the clear size advantage, but McMillan has yielded just 27 receptions for 260 yards in 10 games. He’s as tough as they come.”
Tale of the Tape: Rice vs. McMillian
| Player | Team Role | PFF Grade (Slot) | Recent Performance/Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashee Rice | Chiefs Wide Receiver | 83.1 | 20 receptions, 215 yards, 3 TDs (last 3 games) |
| Ja’Quan McMillian | Broncos Cornerback | 69.0 | Yielded 27 receptions, 260 yards (10 games) |
Implications for the Chiefs’ Offense
With the Chiefs’ run game struggling to generate consistent yardage, Rice emerges as their primary avenue for explosive plays. The potential limited availability of Xavier Worthy further emphasizes the need for Mahomes and Rice to operate in perfect sync.
While the Chiefs’ defense is certainly capable of stifling Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense, the ultimate outcome will hinge on whether their own offense can execute effectively against one of the league’s top defensive units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who are the Kansas City Chiefs playing in Week 11?
The Chiefs will be on the road to face the Denver Broncos in Week 11. - What is the biggest matchup to watch in the Chiefs-Broncos game?
Pro Football Focus identifies the matchup between Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice and Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian as the one to watch. - Why is this game particularly important for the Chiefs?
The Chiefs’ two previous games against the Broncos in 2024 were challenging, and a loss in Week 11 could put them in serious jeopardy of missing the playoffs. - How has Rashee Rice performed since returning from suspension?
In the three games since his return, Rashee Rice has caught 20 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. - What is the strength of the Broncos’ defense?
The Denver Broncos currently boast the second-best defense in the entire NFL.
For the Chiefs to secure a vital win, the connection between Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice will be paramount against a formidable Denver defense.
Chiefs must beat Broncos or miss playoffs
