Jerick McKinnon comes into this game having pushed past this line in only two of five games. However, this matchup against the Broncos presents some serious breakout opportunity for the Chiefs' receiving back.
It’s been widely documented that the Broncos have been gashed on the ground this season, allowing a whopping 164 rush yards per game to running backs (easily pacing the NFL). But they’ve also struggled to cover running backs in the pass game, allowing the fourth-most receiving yards per game (51), as well as the fourth most yards per target (7.5).
From a DVOA perspective, Denver ranks 27th against running backs in the passing game, per FTN Fantasy. Last season, McKinnon torched the Broncos defense for 56 and 112 total yards, respectively.
The weather could factor in today with high winds expected, and potentially with some rain mixed in. This should not only favor the ground game, but McKinnon’s short routes and quick hitters should factor in even more in the passing game.
I’m comfortable playing McKinnon’s receiving line alone up to over 14.5, or this combined rushing and receiving yard line up to 26.5.