DENVER BRONCOS (7-4)
VS.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-8)

REGULAR SEASON GAME #12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2009 – 12:00 PM (CENTRAL)
ARROWHEAD STADIUM – KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Chiefs Television Network - KCTV-5 (CBS in Kansas City) - Play-by-play: Dick Enberg - Color Commentator: Dan Fouts

Chiefs FOX Football Radio Network - KCFX-FM (101.1 FM in Kansas City - Affiliates) - Play-by-play: Mitch Holthus - Color Commentator: Len Dawson - Sideline Reporter: Kendall Gammon

Public Transportation Returns to Arrowhead on Gamedays

THE MATCH-UP

Sunday’s game will mark the 99th renewal of the Chiefs-Broncos rivalry that dates back to the American Football League’s inaugural season of ‘60. Over the years, the Kansas City-Denver series has featured Hall of Fame performers, thrilling finishes and even vertically-striped socks.

One of the most storied performers in Kansas City history will be honored at halftime as LB Derrick Thomas will officially have his number 58 retired. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009, Thomas registered a franchise-record 126.5 career sacks and also holds Chiefs records for career safeties (3), forced fumbles (45) and fumble recoveries (19).

Representatives from the Hall of Fame will also make a special presentation to Thomas’ family at halftime. In addition to Thomas’ on-field legacy, his “Third and Long Foundation” is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, with his longtime friend and teammate, DE Neil Smith, serving as the driving force of the organization. Students from the Derrick Thomas Academy, a tuition-free public charter school, will also be attending Sunday’s contest.

On the field, first-year head coaches Todd Haley and Josh McDaniels will meet for the initial time. KC has won two of its last three contests, but is coming off a 43-14 loss at San Diego (11/29). Denver snapped a four-game losing streak after registering a 26-6 win on Thanksgiving vs. the N.Y. Giants (11/26). Sunday’s game begins the Chiefs first three-game home stand since 2000.

Kansas City hasn’t played on three consecutive weekends at Arrowhead without a bye since ‘96. The Chiefs will round out their 2009 home slate with contests vs. Buffalo (12/13) and vs. Cleveland (12/20).

The Chiefs are seeking their second home win of the 2009 campaign. Kansas City has won five of its last six home contests vs. Denver, including a 33-19 victory in the last meeting at Arrowhead (9/28/08). The Chiefs own a stellar 17-1 (.944) home record against the Broncos all-time in the month of December, including a 12-1 mark at Arrowhead. The lone blemish on that December home record against the Broncos was a 20-17 OT setback (12/4/94), one of five overtime games in the 50-year history of this series.

THE SERIES
Kansas City holds a 53-45-0 (.542) all-time advantage over Denver in the 98 previous meetings between the two clubs (97 regular season, one postseason). The Chiefs own 53 wins against the Broncos, meaning the only team Kansas City has defeated more frequently is Oakland (54). The Chiefs have won five of their last six meetings with the Broncos at Arrowhead, including a 33-19 victory (9/28/08). Denver’s last win in KC was a 27-11 decision (11/10/07). The Chiefs and Broncos split the season series a year ago with each team winning at home. Kansas City’s last season sweep of the Broncos came under head coach Gunther Cunningham in 2000.

The Chiefs have won 14 of the last 19 regular season meetings between these two clubs at Arrowhead, including 11 of the last 14 contests. Kansas City is seeking back-to-back home wins against Denver for the first time since winning four straight at Arrowhead from 2003-06. The Broncos are seeking to claim two wins in a three-game stretch at Arrowhead for the first time since going 2-1 in Kansas City from ‘89-91.

The Broncos have won all eight games in the series played at INVESCO Field, including a 24-17 decision (12/7/08) in the most recent contest between these two original American Football League opponents. Kansas City’s last win in Denver was a 23-22 victory at Mile High Stadium (9/24/00). During the AFL’s 10-year run from ‘60-69, KC posted a 19-1 record against the Broncos. The Chiefs would go on to win 25 of the first 27 games in this series.

Denver claimed a narrow victory in the lone playoff contest between these two franchises, registering a 14-10 win in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Arrowhead (1/4/98).

Complete 16 page release (PDF)