Bronrons face Chiefs on Sunday in test of Sean Payton's continuity strategy

The Denver Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. The result will define whether head coach Sean Payton's decision to keep the roster intact was correct. Denver has made only one free agent signing since the last season.

That single addition was quarterback Tycen Anderson. The team did not select a player until the third round of the draft. While the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears pursue trade targets before the November 10 deadline, Denver remains inactive. Payton chose to run back the group that reached the AFC Championship Game last year.

The defense must correct its performance from the season opener. The Chiefs ran for 240 yards after contact in that game. That total exceeds the yards Denver has gained in its first three games of the current season. The Broncos missed 28 tackles during that first loss. Inside linebacker Alex Singleton, who earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, will pair with Justin Strnad to tighten up coverage.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph plans to use unconventional blitz packages. He will pressure quarterback Patrick Mahomes from corners, safeties, and linebackers. This approach relies on the players' familiarity with the scheme. The team is 12-2 in its last 14 home games, including playoff contests. Joseph's ability to simplify complex assignments has driven that recent success.

The offense faces a different challenge. Bo Nix made three passes and one 62-yard run in the recent game against the Arizona Cardinals. Payton called a tight-window pass over the middle to Courtland Sutton on the first play. Nix completed the throw. However, Nix has attempted only seven passes between the hashmarks all season. The Chiefs may sit in zone coverage, forcing Nix to prove he can throw accurately in that space.

The receiving corps has underperformed expectations. Tight ends Evan Engram, Nate Adkins, and Adam Trautman have combined for 19 catches and 186 yards. Receiver Jaylen Waddle, acquired in a trade, is on pace to lead the team with 640 receiving yards. Running back J.K. Dobbins has seen reduced usage. The Broncos also declined to trade for guard Quenton Nelson, keeping their 2027 third-round pick and 2028 fifth-round pick.

Kansas City rebuilt its roster by signing Kenneth Walker III and trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie. Denver spent $175 million on a new headquarters but kept its current players. The team that wins on Sunday validates its strategic choice. The loser will face scrutiny over its offseason decisions.