(Betting Express) - The Denver Broncos will have their hands full this Sunday when they attempt to control the NFL's leading rusher Priest Holmes in a crucial AFC West match-up with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The play of Mike Shanahan's defense has been a major factor in the Broncos' success this season. Denver ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 280.3 yards per affair. The Broncos are permitting just 3.2 yards per carry to opposing running backs.

Denver held strong against the Dolphins' Ricky Williams last week, limiting the AFC's third-leading rusher to just 49 yards on 20 carries. Williams did tally a pair of scores in the contest.

Hard-hitting middle linebacker Al Wilson is the backbone of the Broncos' run defense. Wilson, who leads the team with 39 tackles, will be keying on Holmes' every move in this contest. The University of Tennessee product must play his best game to keep Holmes under wraps.

The Chiefs lead the league in run offense (163.3 ypg), but the Broncos are tops in the NFL against the run (62.0 ypg). This will be the key battle to watch in this contest. The team that gets the upper hand up front will be able to dictate the pace of the game.

Denver's defensive line has been solid this year led by tackles Chester McGlockton and Lional Dalton. The duo has been very good at locking up blockers and filling gaps. Meanwhile, defensive end Trevor Pryce is the Broncos' pass rush specialist with a team-high five sacks.

Denver must put more pressure on the quarterback though, as it just ninth in the AFC in sacks with 12. Whether it be through blitzes or stunts, it will be very important for Denver to get to whoever plays quarterback for Kansas City in this contest.

The Broncos may get a break this week as Chiefs' starting quarterback Trent Green is doubtful with an ankle injury. Todd Collins, who hasn't started an NFL game since 1997 will take over for Kansas City if Green can't go.

GETTING OFFENSIVE

Denver's offense was quite successful against the tough Miami defense, racking up 410 total yards. Griese completed 27-of-46 passes for 335 yards and a score, while being picked off twice. The signal-caller struggled a bit because he was constantly pressured by the Dolphins' defensive front. He was sacked three times and hurried often.

Griese made a crucial mistake in the third quarter as he was intercepted by Patrick Surtain. The defensive back returned the ball 40 yards for a touchdown.

"I will go back and look at everything. I know I didn't play a perfect game, and a lot of guys probably feel the same way. What we can take out of this game is that this team is never going to give up, and that's a good thing," said Griese.

Griese has now surpassed 300 yards passing in three consecutive games for the second time in his career. He also gotten beyond the 10,000-yard mark in career yards, as his 335 yards pushed him to 10,060.

COMING UP: The Broncos' schedule gets no easier next week when they travel to the northeast to face New England.