Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 9/14

Wes Welker won't play vs. Chiefs from ESPN

The NFL and the players' union did not reach a final agreement on proposed changes to the league's drug policy by Saturday afternoon, meaning suspended players potentially eligible for reinstatement -- like Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker -- will not play Sunday.

The NFLPA voted Friday to accept a new policy that would implement testing for human growth hormone and significantly increase the threshold for positive marijuana tests.

But despite the union's approval, the deal still had not been finalized due to "significant unresolved issues," according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

Game Day Forecast from The National Weather Service

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

KCChiefs.com Photo Gallery: Travel Day

KCChiefs.com Video: On the Road: Denver

KCChiefs.com Video: Cheerleader Chatter: Brooke M.

KCChiefs.com Video: Chiefs Kingdom: Sean Malto Act Three

Q &A: Reid already on hot seat? from ESPN

I was wondering when I might get this question but surprised it's come so soon. Andy Reid is going to coach the Chiefs for awhile. He wasn't hired and didn't want this job for the short term.

Preview: Chiefs At Broncos from The Chicago Tribune

ABOUT THE CHIEFS (0-1): Running back Jamaal Charles was the centerpiece of Kansas City's offense last season, leading the league in touchdowns (19) while rushing for 1,287 yards, but he had only seven carries for 19 yards against the Titans. "We just failed to get him the ball," conceded quarterback Alex Smith, who was picked off three times after throwing an AFC-low seven interceptions last season. "Absolutely. One of our biggest playmakers, if not the biggest playmaker. Certainly need to get him involved more." The loss of Johnson, who registered at least 100 tackles in each of the last four seasons, is a huge blow for a defense that was gashed for 162 yards rushing by Tennessee...

...PREDICTION: Broncos 34, Chiefs 19

Broncos-Chiefs: Three Keys for Week 2 from DenverBroncos.com

1. KEEP JAMAAL CHARLES CORRALLED.

This month provides a rigorous set of challenges for the Broncos' remodeled defense: the dual quarterbacking threats of Andrew Luck, Alex Smith and, next week, Russell Wilson, and Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, who touched the ball 11 times last week but should be much more involved Sunday.

Charles can control the tempo of the game with short bursts, but he wins it with explosive plays. His body of work against the Broncos provides examples of both.

Broncos game plan against the Kansas City Chiefs from The Denver Post

When the Chiefs pass

Veteran QB Alex Smith has shed his "game manager" reputation. But he ran into trouble last week as he tried to throw downfield more. He is skilled at checkdowns and can run when necessary. Having receiver Dwayne Bowe back from a suspension helps. But Smith might have to make plays with his legs to create space for his other targets. Escaping Von Miller won't be easy. He's poised to have a breakout game. Edge: Broncos

Pelissero: Keep an eye on Chiefs rising star Travis Kelce from USA Today

Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry doesn't compare teammate Travis Kelce to New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski.

Berry has covered Kelce enough in practice - or at least tried to cover him - to say the 6-foot-5, 260-pound former quarterback doesn't compare to any other tight end in the NFL.

"Nah, he's a different breed. For real," Berry told USA TODAY Sports this week. "He's big, he's got speed and he's got moves. He's got a lot of swag about his play. He doesn't do it like how it says in the book."

Fantasy football Week 2 defense rankings: Miami Dolphins up, Cincinnati Bengals down from PennLive

THREE DOWN

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver: There are few exceptions to the rule that dictates benching any defense that lines up against Peyton Manning and the Broncos. This attack is too explosive and too diverse for a defense to hold down, proving that theory correct again with 31 points in Week 1, despite a dry spell in the second half. The Chiefs struggled to contain Titans QB Jake Locker in their opener, so it stands to reason that Manning and company will move the ball at will in Week 2.

Broncos biggest favorites of Week Two, but will Chiefs put up a fight? from ProfootballTalk

While these historical trends perhaps reflect well on Denver's chances Sunday, underdog Kansas City also may have a strong angle in its corner. After all, Andy Reid-coached teams are 6-1 against the spread as underdogs of 10 points or more in his career, according to Spreadapedia. However, they have won just one of those seven games.

Jaguars visit Washington looking to avoid another 0-2 start from FS Florida

Jaguars: Only the Kansas City Chiefs have a worse third-down efficiency than the 2-for-14 rate turned in by their offense. The Jaguars finished last season at the bottom of the league in that category (31.1 percent).

Home-bar advantage on football game day from The Los Angeles Register

Kansas City Chiefs: The Rec Room in Studio City (12430 Riverside Drive), formerly called The Draft, doesn't want to pigeonholed as a Chiefs bar, so it allows the fan group of up to 85 Kansas City fans to use the steamy outdoor patio in the heart of the Valley. Inside, the best game of the week is always put on the large projector screen. Comfortable booths are available at the bar that also hosts Texas fans on college football Saturdays, and 30 television screens to show all games imaginable.

Mother of Kasandra Perkins wants NFL to do more on domestic violence from USA Today

Nearly two years have passed since Gonzalez's daughter, Kasandra Perkins, was murdered by her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher. The murder-suicide on Dec. 1, 2012 rocked the NFL but did not spark any investigations, condemnation from women's groups or a revamped policy on how the league deals with crimes against women.

"It is terribly disheartening that Kasandra's murder didn't deem worthy of addressing the issue of domestic violence within either organization," Gonzalez said in an e-mail interview with USA TODAY Sports on Saturday.

Cowboys players, Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre weigh in on Ray Rice video from The Dallas Morning News

Carr said most people don't understand domestic abuse "until it hits in your own backyard." That happened to him in 2012, when Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher murdered his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, then killed himself. Carr had been friends with the couple when he played for the Chiefs.

Shortly afterward, Carr began outreach efforts when Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings enlisted his help for his men's rally against abuse last year. The two hosted a celebrity softball game to raise awareness later that year.

Author of new book about football says it's time to take a close look at our relationship with the violent world of the NFL from NY Daily News

Steve Almond says he understands why so many football fans were outraged last week, after TMZ posted the now-infamous video showing disgraced NFL star Ray Rice knocking out his wife.

But Almond also sounds a bit frustrated: Why didn't people get this angry when Jovan Belcher of the Kansas City Chiefs pumped nine bullets into his girlfriend's body? Where was the furor after Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy picked up his girlfriend over his head, threw her onto his couch - which was covered with assault weapons and shotguns - and threatened to kill her?