They know Denver’s quarterback will run a whole lot Thursday night in the Broncos’ unconventional option-style offense. But will he throw some, too? And, how much?

“The biggest thing for the secondary is for us not to fall asleep,” cornerback Darrelle Revis said Tuesday. “We can’t fall asleep back there in the secondary. It can get boring, especially if a team keeps on just running the ball, series after series, play after play.”

Tebow has been criticized for not being an NFL-caliber passer, but he has won three of his four starts this season – mostly with his legs.

Despite the success the second-year quarterback and the Broncos have been having, Revis isn’t quite so sure the option style of offense can succeed for a full season in the NFL. Except, he told reporters, if a team had Michael Vick as the quarterback and Chris Johnson at running back. But not a big, bruising quarterback such as the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Tebow.

“This guy, he’s a tough guy,” Revis said. “He’s really another running back when he carries the ball. When you look at him on film, he’s not trying to avoid hits. He’s actually trying to lower his shoulder and take people on. You’ve got to respect that.”

Tebow wasn’t offended by Revis’ comments that the option couldn’t work with him as the quarterback, saying he was looking forward to playing against the Jets cornerback Thursday night.

“I honestly don’t necessarily pay attention or worry too much about what others say,” Tebow said. “I just try to get better every day and consistently try to improve.”

After spending last week preparing for New England’s Tom Brady, a quarterback they’ve had plenty of experience playing against, the Jets have only a few days to get ready for a player who’s a completely different type of opponent.

“You’re looking at formations or personnel groupings that tell you it’s going to be a pass, and it’s not with this group,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “That’s a little different, but you better be sound and obviously assume he’s running with it.”

“You think of running quarterbacks, and most guys are a little more shifty and kind of got that make-you-miss (style),” safety Jim Leonhard said. “He’d rather run you over than run around you. It’s just different, a different mentality. He’s more like a fullback than a true tailback when he runs the football.”

Which is often. Tebow was just 2 of 8 passing for 69 yards in a 17-10 win at Kansas City last Sunday, but also ran for 43 yards on nine carries.

Tebow is 47 of 105 for 605 yards and seven touchdowns and just one interception, and is Denver’s second-leading rusher with 320 yards and two scores on only 48 carries.

“This is a college-style offense and it’s around Tim Tebow and it looks just like he’s at the University of Florida,” Revis said. “He does a great job running it and we know he’s going to have his carries and we know he’s going to throw the ball. They have no choice but to throw the ball. They did it in the past, and they’re going to do it again.”

But when is the question, and that’s what has kept defenses off balance so far.

The Broncos ran 55 times in 63 offensive plays against Kansas City – and that was even with running backs Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee getting hurt in the first quarter. With the game still in the balance, Tebow made a play with his arm, tossing a 56-yard pass to Eric Decker to seal the victory.

“The thing with him is you have to stay disciplined because as inconsistent as he is throwing the football, all of the sudden he’ll make a throw where you go, `Wow, that was impressive,’” Leonhard said. “And for the most part, those throws have been touchdowns. They’re a big-play, fast-strike offense when they do throw the ball down the field.”

Moreno is out for the season with a knee injury, and McGahee’s status was uncertain because of a tweaked hamstring. That means there could be a lot of third-stringer Lance Ball and, of course, a scrambling Tebow.

The Jets have been using 41-year-old Mark Brunell, one of the game’s most mobile quarterbacks in his prime, on the scout team to mimic the 24-year-old Tebow.

“I’m left-handed and he is left-handed, and that’s about it right there,” Brunell joked when asked how similar he is to Tebow.

With such a run-heavy offense, there will be plenty of action for the Jets’ run stoppers, particularly defensive linemen Sione Pouha and Mike DeVito.

“The world falls on me and (DeVito),” Pouha said. “We like to pride ourselves on being the two fat guys, I guess, in the middle, but we pride ourselves on being able to stop the run.”

Tebow said the Broncos shouldn’t be labeled as one type of offense because the team is trying to come up different approaches depending on the opponent. After all, he threw 39 times in a 45-10 loss to Detroit three weeks ago.

“It’s difficult in a way because it’s similar to a wildcat offense where they can run and they can also pass,” Revis said. “On defense, for us, the D-line and the linebackers just need to focus on the run and this is a game for the secondary, for us not to fall asleep back there because we’ve seen on film that they’ve done a lot of double-moves and trick plays.”

Definitely not the same type of pass-happy offense they just faced a few days ago.

“I’d make a recommendation to New England to go to this style of offense with Brady,” Ryan joked. “That would be good.”

Will the Jets make easy work of Tebow? Sound off in the comments below…

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Also please follow us on Twitter @ Twitter.com/FantasySavvy and like our facebook page. . Be sure to check our NFL picks section each week located at the top of the page and listen to our radio show @ Blogtalkradio.com/Fantasysavvy. We do shows Every Tuesday and Thursday night at either 11pm or 1130pm. We are always ready to answer your questions, the call in number is 714-242-6111. Thanks!

Kendall Hunter, San Francisco 49ers

Kendall Hunter needs to be picked up asap if availble

Have loved this guy all year and as the 49ers continue to pound the run, I think Gore, who is already nicked up with the ankle, will continue to wear down as the season goes on. I do think we will soon be looking at Frank Gore missing some games ahead or at the very least Kendall Hunter starting to become more of a factor and getting more carries. The bottomline is, Hunter needs to be added in all leagues where available. He is a very talented, multi-dimensional back. If Gore does miss time, Hunter will become a rock-solid RB2. Add him, stash and don’t let go.

Matt Leinart, Houston Texans

95% of people have written Leinart off, pretty much every so-called Fantasy “Expert” is saying he really doesn’t have much value. I disagree. It’s not that I am saying Leinart will start producing at a high rate, but the guy deserves a fair chance. Has he really ever gotten one? No, Leinart has 16 career starts! That’s one season. But because couldn’t beat out Kurt Warner, arguably a Hall of Fame QB and SuperBowl MVP and Ken Whisenhunt completely gave up on him without giving him a fair shake, he’s done. It’s just ridiculous and it shows you how people just latch onto the popular opinion and run with it. Again the guy has had 16 games as a starter, granted the numbers stink 14 TD’s to 20 picks, but again he deserves a chance.

The question is, did Leinart mature after we heard about his poor work ethic and lack of interest. Leinart would have retired, if he just wanted to give up, he knows this is his chance to prove people wrong. He comes into an excellent situation in Houston with Arian Foster, Ben Tate and this dominating offensive line. Andre Johnson will also return. Leinart has no excuses now, he’s went through or should have went through the maturation process, has been on the sidelines long enough and has plenty of talent around him. This Texan team has a shot to big things and Leinart has the chance to do big things. I’m not completely sure how Leinart will do, but I for one still have faith in this guy. I still think given the surroundings and what he’s been through, that he can succeed. The reward heavily outweighs the risk here. Leinart could really prove to be an excellent add during this stretch run. If you are a Schaub owner or have problems at QB, you must add Leinart and hope that he can revive his career here. Don’t listen to the naysayers, make sure you add Leinart, I think the chances of him succeeding are higher than the chance of failure. Give Matt Leinart time, a good play action game and he can hurt you and that opportunity awaits him.

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders

How frustrating is this guy? Hyped up in the pre-season, we heard tons of good things about him. Many owners drafted him as a sleeper. The early signs were promising, but then he disappeared and did absolutely nada for 4 weeks. Mostly everybody, including myself dropped him from their roster only to see him go off last Thursday night and catch two TD’s and go over 100-yards. Simply put, Moore needs to be added now with Carson Palmer at the helm. He could finish this season fairly strong. He has the speed, and athletic ability to produce. He will be heavily targeted by Palmer. If you dropped him, make sure you try to get him back this week. If you held onto him, well props to you for sticking to your guns and staying patient. Moore could also proved to be a protectable in keeper leagues.

Vince Young, Philadelphia Eagles

Another QB many have given up on, but again I question why? If you look close or have watched Vince play as much as I have, you would realize he only has progressed as a QB since he came into the league. In his last 18 games, Vince has 20 TD’s to just 10 Int’s. The reason Vince got shipped off was his attitude and injuries. Ever since that Incident in 2008 when he was on supposed “suicide watch” Jeff Fisher lost faith in him. It was obvious time and time again, first in 2009 when Kerry Collins and the Titans started 0-6 and Fisher refused to go to Vince, it took the Owner Bud Adams to get Vince in there. What did Vince do? He led the team to five straight wins and the Titans won 8 out of their last 10 games finishing 8-8 and nearly making the playoffs. Young might of saved Fisher’s Job. However last year in week 2 Vince was struggling vs one of the best defenses in the league in the Steelers and Fisher benched young in the 3rd quarter to go with Collins. In Week 2!!!! Vince started to build resentment for Fisher at this point, he knew the coach had lost faith in him, but why? Didn’t he just save your job pretty much the year before? A couple of weeks later, Vince was hurt again. Most believed Vince was ready to go the following week, but instead Fisher went with Collins and then finally back to Vince again. Then we all remember Vince got hurt once again against Washington, Vince wanted to come back into the game, but Fisher denied the request and Vince blew up. Now he shouldn’t have blown up, that was just an immature move, but at the same time his frustrations had reached a boiling point with Fisher. These two needed to be separated and Vince was the first to be let go and then Fisher left as well. Bottomline is Fisher never wanted Young, he lost faith in him after the suicide incident and never regained trust in Young. Young couldn’t deal with the constant doubt and blew up, he was wrong, but I can understand where he was coming from.

Vince then landed in Philly, behind another QB people had left for dead in Michael Vick. This was best for Vince, take a year to relax learn from Vick’s successes and absorb the game from the sideline. But now it looks like Young might get a chance to start in Week 11. This will be his chance to showcase himself and possibly land a starting  job somewhere else next year. I don’t believe Vince Young sucks or his done like many do. I do admit I have probably defended Vince Young more than anyone, but the defending is just and fair. He only has gotten better as a QB, watch the games, look at the stats. The one thing I would like to see Vince do is run more, he needs to be more of that instinctual player he was in Texas and his rookie year. He became so concerned with becoming a pocket passer that he stayed there too much and didn’t run as much as he used to.

So Vince might get the start and will take the Giants on, Sunday night in the Meadowlands. Remember the last time he faced the Giants? Check out that clip, you should all remember when he led that comeback. Vince Young is a champion, he has that “It” the question iscan he find that “It” once again. Vick owners, Grab Young if you haven’t already, keeper league owners, grab Young as well. You also never know with Vick, he could get hurt again when he returns and Young could finish this season. If he gets lengthy playing time he should produce nicely.

Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego Chargers

This guy came out of nowhere last week to go for 5 catches 97 yards and a TD. He really could end up being a nice option going forward on this Chargers team. Malcolm Floyd is always hurt, Gates could end up hurt again and Brown should does have talents. He should have had another TD last Thursday, but it was called back because the refs said Lito Sheppard had a hand on the ball while he was out-of-bounds. Made no sense to me, Brown had true possession of it. But I like Brown, he’s athletic and Rivers was targeting him heavily. He has a good offense around him, Norv likes to throw, Rivers can get him the ball, pick up Brown, I think he emerges as a consistent option going forward.

Mark Clayton, WR, St. Louis Rams

Clayton returned from injury last week and only received 10 snaps as he was eased back in. As most of us know, Clayton was tearing it up as Bradford’s favorite target before getting injured last season. With the injuries to Danny Amendola, Danario Alexander, Greg Salas etc. Clayton will have a legit chance to be a factor again. He’s always been talented and finally seemed to be putting it together last year before the injury. He’s worth an add, and I would stick with him, even if he struggles for the next two weeks. I think he could start to emerge down the stretch year as Bradford gets more comfortable and starts finding Clayton once again.

Rest of the Rest

Ed Dickson, TE, Baltimore Ravens, Flacco is showing he stinks, but at least he’s still hitting Dickson who had two TD’s last week. Could be available on wires after some owners gave up on him.

Damien Williams, WR, Titans- Starting to heat up with scores in 4 of last 6 games, good route runner, definitely worth a pickup with a competent Hasselback throwing him the ball.

Jacob Tamme, TE, Colts- Painter is the worst and could be benched this week, but last week Tamme showed his talents like he did last year and finished with 70 yards receiving. Could be nice little add while Clark continues to be out, even with the terrible QB play.

Lance Ball, RB, Bronc0s- Might never see 30 carries again in his career and I have doubts that he will ever really be productive, but if McGahee and Moreno keep getting hurt, he will produce a bit.

Dion Lewis, RB, Eagles, If McCoy goes down Lewis will be the back to own not Brown. Lewis has some of the skillset that McCoy has.

“If you look at last week, I think they ran the ball 55 times and only threw eight,” Jets CB Antonio Cromartie said of the Broncos’ 17-10 triumph over the Chiefs. “I think for them, that’s one of their strong points. They lost two of their running backs — one to an ACL tear and we don’t know what’s going on with Willis McGahee.”

With Knowshon Moreno out for the season, the Broncos elevated RB Jeremiah Johnson from their practice squad to fill the vacancy. McGahee, who is their leading rusher with 640 yards and an impressive average of 5.0 yards a carry, hopes to return to the lineup Thursday after departing early in Week 10 action due to a hamstring injury. Lance Ball, a Teaneck, N.J., native in his third pro season, rushed 30 times for 96 yards as the Broncos amassed 244 yards on the ground against the Chiefs.

But everything starts with Tebow. Since taking over as the starter following a Week 6 bye, the Broncos have averaged 41 rushes and 24 passing attempts per game. And they’ve found a way to win games, going on a 3-1 run to put them right in the thick of the muddled AFC West.

“It’s similar to some of the stuff they did at college when he was at the University of Florida,” said Cromartie. “It’s things that helped him to be the player he was in college and he’s helping him right now.”

The Broncos specialize in the read option attack, taking advantage of the former Heisman Trophy winner’s running prowess. The Jets are a disciplined defensive football team and they must play sound assignment football in the high altitude.

“If you’re taking the ball, take the dive,” says DL Marcus Dixon. “Don’t hesitate, don’t think about anything, just take the dive. Trust that your teammates will do their jobs as well. But that’s our defense completely — trust that everyone will do their jobs. We are not worried about what they do.”

One of the few bright spots that came out of Week 10 for the Jets was that the defense held the more conventional New England attack to just 60 yards rushing on 28 attempts. But the Pats won largely due to the fact that Tom Brady was tremendous through the air, and it would be beneficial this week to get Tebow into passing situations.

“Tebow is a guy who can run the ball — a strong runner,” said Cro of the second-year QB who is coach John Fox’s second-leading rusher and is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. “He’s not as much an accurate passer, but the style of offense they’re playing, they’re winning ballgames.”

While Tebow’s TD-to-INT ratio of 7 to 1 is impressive, he is completing just 44.8 percent of his passes and he’s been sacked 14 times.

“When the chance comes of us getting a pass, we just have to take advantage of the opportunity,” Cromartie said. “We just have to play with our eyes and play what we see.”

The film in the defensive line meeting room on Monday featured the Broncos’ run game. The big guys know everything will fall into place if Tebow is taken out of his comfort zone.

“Up front, we watched a lot of run plays. Passing comes second to us up front,” Dixon said. “You stop the run and then you get to the quarterback on the way.”

Tebow has had difficulty recognizing coverages, but he continues to ace his reading examinations on the pro level.

“He looks to read the outside guy. He’s going to read and see if the guy is going to bite on the dive game. If he dives in, then he’s going to keep it,” Dixon said. “If you kind of hesitate, then he might give it to him and let him hit the hole. It’s a quarterback read play.”

The Jets want to close the book on Tebow’s feelgood story in Denver.

With the approach, they’re off and running.

Banking on an unconventional option-style offense led by an unorthodox quarterback, Denver has suddenly surged back into contention in the mediocre AFC West. The Broncos (4-5) have won three of their last four games with everyone pretty much knowing exactly what they are going to do — run and run some more.

Not that it’s mattered.

So unique is this read option — similar to what Tebow ran during his days at Florida — that teams are struggling to contain it.

“We’re trying to do what’s going to help us win and in my opinion that’s all part of coaching — putting players in position to utilize their abilities,” Broncos coach John Fox said.

However, their backfield took a hit Monday with word that backup tailback Knowshon Moreno will have season-ending ACL surgery on his right knee.

But leading rusher Willis McGahee (hamstring) is expected to return, even on short rest, for the game Thursday night against the New York Jets (5-4). As an insurance policy, the Broncos promoted second-year running back Jeremiah Johnson from their practice squad.

The more backs the better, especially with as much as the Broncos prefer to run the ball these days.

Of their 63 offensive plays Sunday in a 17-10 win over Kansas City, 55 were on the ground. With Moreno and McGahee sidelined due to injuries sustained in the first quarter, third-string tailback Lance Ball picked up the slack as he carried the ball 30 times for 96 yards.

Tebow did his part, too, running for 43 yards.

Not only that, but he turned in the game’s biggest play with his arm, not his legs. Tebow lofted a deep pass to a wide open Eric Decker for a 56-yard game-sealing TD in the fourth quarter. Tebow only threw the ball eight times, completing just two for 69 yards.

And while Fox wouldn’t mind seeing more of an equal blend between the run and pass, he’s not going to quibble with the end results.

“We do have to throw the ball with more efficiency. I think we all know that in that locker room,” Fox said. “We’ve got a young quarterback that’s doing a terrific job, in my estimation, who will just get better with time.”

Especially in an offense that’s being tweaked just for him. Tebow has become quite proficient at sticking the ball in a running back’s gut, surveying the defense and either taking it back out to hightail it around the end or allowing the back to continue through the line.

Just like the former Heisman Trophy winner did in college.

“I think it’s just one more thing for people to prepare for,” Tebow said of the unique offense. “It’s not like we went out there and did a lot (Sunday) but it’s something you have to scheme for, you have to prepare for and you have to be sound.”

The Broncos added another wrinkle to their run-oriented offense Sunday as well — pitchouts to receiver Eddie Royal. It’s simply one more way to keep a defense honest.

“Hey, as long as you’re moving the ball, possessing the ball, giving your defense some rest, it’s all good,” Fox said. “Run, pass, if they let you kick it down the field, I wouldn’t mind doing that either. As long as you’re moving the ball, that’s the key.”

The ancillary benefit of all the running plays is this: Denver’s defense receives more of a breather.

“When you can run the ball and shorten the game, it definitely helps,” rookie linebacker Von Miller said. “You have time to recover.”

Miller understands full well why teams are having difficulty reading and reacting Tebow and the option offense. He sees it in practice and still hasn’t quite figured out all the nuances.

“It’s pretty tough to stop it,” Miller said.

Even more so with a short week to prepare. The Jets are busy devising a game plan to contain Tebow and the Broncos’ run-first approach just days after facing the spread offense of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

It’s quite a contrast for the Jets.

“They’ve got a top-10 defense in the National Football League so they know what they’re doing,” Fox said. “It’s tough on this kind of turnaround, regardless of what you’re preparing for. It’ll be challenging for both of us.”

Notes: To fill Johnson’s spot on the practice squad, the Broncos signed RB Xavier Omon. … Miller said the $15,000 fine he received from the NFL for roughing Oakland QB Carson Palmer won’t cause him to think twice about how he plays. “It’s really just shoot first and ask questions later,” Miller said. “It’s just a split-second decision that you have to make.” … OLs Ryan Clady and Chris Clark were listed as limited on the injury report with knee injuries. The Broncos said the report was an estimate since the team had the day off Monday. DBs Brian Dawkins (ankle) and Cassius Vaughn (hamstring), LB Wesley Woodyard (knee) and McGahee (hamstring) also were listed as limited.

By PAT GRAHAM, AP Pro Football Writer

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Quarterback Tim Tebow runs the ball into the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The Denver Broncos (4-5) took care of business by knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) at Arrowhead stadium with a final score of 17-10. The game was full of run plays and punts, which seemed to fall right into the game plan of the Denver Broncos. The Broncos ran the ball an NFL season-high 55 times and only made 8 pass attempts. However, their success in the run game led to their 4th victory of the season and a spot right in the middle of a wild AFC West divisional race.

Tim Tebow threw the ball only 8 times, completing merely 2 of those pass attempts, despite a few catchable balls that were dropped by his receivers. Tebow also added 43 rushing yards and 1 touchdown, which came in the 1st quarter. For the majority of the game, Tebow was handing the ball off to Willis McGahee, Knowshown Moreno, Lance Ball and Spencer Larson.

McGahee and Moreno were both injured in the 1st half of the game and did not return.

Tim Tebow fights off linebacker Derrick Johnson at Arrowhead Stadium (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

However, the Broncos didn’t stumble in their absence as they continued to run the ball effectively with 244 total rushing yards. In spite of the criticism of Tebow’s passing ability, he was able to show up big in the 4th quarter and complete the biggest pass of the game. Tebow’s perfect 56-yard throw to Eric Decker for a touchdown virtually sealed the win.

Matt Cassel found the ground more times than he found receivers, being knocked all over the place by the relentless Broncos defense. He was sacked 4 times and knocked on the ground another 12. Rookie linebacker Von Miller was all over Cassel for the entire game, making contact with the 7-year pro a number of times. Cassel only completed 13 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, which wasn’t enough to beat a thriving Broncos team.

After a 1-4 start with Kyle Orton, the Broncos now find themselves in the middle of the pack in the AFC West and a 3-1 record with Tim Tebow as the starter. They are currently tied with Kansas City and San Diego, all with a 4-5 record, and are only one game back from the 5-4 Oakland Raiders, who beat the Chargers on Thursday night to take the outright lead in the division. The Broncos have a very short week as they travel back to Denver to play the New York Jets on Thursday night @ 6:20 PM Mountain Time.

Fun Fact: Tim Tebow has thrown for a TD pass in all 7 of his NFL starts.

BenFletcherSports

* All stats taken from http://www.espn.go.com

The ugly truth was that Cassel didn’t do much when he was on the field Sunday.

None of the Chiefs did.

Tim Tebow completed only two passes, one of them a 56-yard touchdown throw to Eric Decker, and the Broncos rumbled their way to a humbling — even humiliating — 17-10 defeat of Kansas City.

[worldnow id=6451431 width=420 height=278 type=video]

“I was a little banged up, so that’s what kept me out,” said Cassel, who refused to discuss any details of the late-game decision. “I wanted to go but I was told not to.”

Palko led the Chiefs to a field goal in the closing seconds, but Denver recovered the onside kick to seal the win. Palko said he didn’t know why he was told to go into the game, and Cassel vowed that he’ll be ready for next Monday night’s game against New England.

“He was beat up there at the end. He was unable to go physically,” said Chiefs coach Todd Haley, when pressed about Cassel’s injury. “We’ll have to see as the week goes on, but it was physical.”

PHOTO GALLERY: Broncos 17, Chiefs 10

He sure wasn’t very effective, though.

Cassel was 13 of 28 for 93 yards and a touchdown, and the Chiefs managed 258 yards of total offense, a performance every bit as ugly as last week’s 31-3 loss to Miami.

“A lot of people will assume the world has ended for our team, the season has ended,” Haley said. “It’s a four-horse race, the season is going to continue on, and we’re in a position where if we come out and play better football we’ll be in position, as we are now.”

The Chiefs (4-5) are in a three-way tie with San Diego and Denver, all chasing the AFC West-leading Oakland Raiders (5-4), who knocked off the Chargers on Thursday night.

Denver was won three of four since coach John Fox made Tebow the starter.

Scrapping a large chunk of his playbook and putting in an option-style attack, the Broncos have somehow made it work. Tebow finished 2 of 8 for 69 yards, but added 44 yards and a score on the ground against a defense that knew what was coming.

“It’s a very frustrating place to be in when you know what they’re going to do and you still can’t stop them, at least consistently enough,” safety Jon McGraw said. “Even when their two running backs went down they kept going and had success with it.”

The Broncos played nearly the entire game without Willis McGahee, who went down with a hamstring injury, and Knowshon Moreno, who left later in the first quarter with a knee injury.

Journeyman Lance Ball wound up carrying 30 times for 96 yards.

“We did a good job of in running,” Tebow said, “keeping them off balance.”

Denver took a 7-0 lead on Tebow’s touchdown run in the first quarter, and pushed the advantage to 10-0 at halftime when Matt Prater knocked through a 38-yard field goal.

Meanwhile, Cassel was 4 of 9 for 29 yards in the first half, and Kansas City had five first downs and a measly 72 yards of total offense.

Rookie wide receiver Jon Baldwin tried to give Kansas City a spark when he hauled in an acrobatic 58-yard pass in the second quarter, reaching around safety Brian Dawkins to make the grab. Baldwin held onto the ball, still behind Dawkins’ back, as both players fell to the ground, but the play was called back because wide receiver Steve Breaston had lined up illegally.

Kansas City finally scored when Cassel hit Le’Ron McClain on a play-action pass from just outside the goal line midway through the third quarter. It was the first points scored by the Chiefs’ offense since 12:01 left in the fourth quarter against San Diego two weeks ago.

The Broncos snuffed out the comeback bid with 6:44 left in the game, when Tebow hit Decker for the long touchdown. Succop’s field goal wound up being moot when Denver recovered the onside kick.

“We’re just trying to be efficient and do what it takes to win in this league,” Fox said. “There’s a formula that was worked over many years and we were able to move the chains. We should have gotten a little more than 17 points, but it was enough for us to win.”

Notes: Chiefs DE Glenn Dorsey left late in the game with an undisclosed injury. … There were no turnovers in the game, though a fumble by Chiefs RB Dexter McCluster was overturned after video review. … Palko was 5 of 6 for 47 yards while running the Chiefs’ no-huddle offense that set up Succop’s field goal. … Von Miller had seven tackles and 1 1/2 sacks for Denver.

- By Dave Skretta, AP Sports Writer

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Here are some sleepers for week 8

QB- John Beck, Washington

John Beck had a decent game last week throwing for 279 passing and 1 touchdown. He has also rushed for 2 touchdowns. To me John Beck could be like a Jake Plummer for Mike Shanahan and the Redskins. This week he is match-up against Buffalo who gives up some big games to opposing QB’s.

RB- Knowshon Moreno/Lance Ball, Denver

One of these running backs in Denver is going to have a good outing this week against Detroit. My money is Lance Ball because he fits John Fox’s system way better and although Moreno is a better running back over all I expect Ball to be the 1st and 2nd down running back a lot of the game.

RB- Bernard Scott, Cincinnati

With Benson out due to suspension Scott will get his shot to show he can be a good fill. Many owners are looking for fill in options because of Bye Weeks and injuries this season Scott could definitely be due for a big game against Seattle who has a terrible run defense.

WR- Jason Hill, Jacksonville

Jason Hill has become the number 1 wide receiver in Jacksonville and although being a number 1 wide receiver he is still a sleeper because he isn’t owned in many leagues. His number of targets show he could be in for a big second half of the year

WR- Jabar Gaffney, Washington

No Moss no problem. The Redskins are definitely banged up at several positions. Wide receiver is definitely one of them. Jabar could be in for a huge day against Buffalo

WR- Torrey Smith, Bal

Smith has been up and down this season and as a rookie you could definitely expect it. The Ravens are matched up with the Cardinals this week which could be big because the Cards give up a ton of yards passing. The Ravens could go deep many times.

TE- Jared Cook, Tennessee

Cook could be in for a huge game because they are playing the Colts. This is huge. Teams will be eating the Colts alive at the Tight End Spot for the rest of the season. Matt Hasselbeck and Cook will definitely hook up a few times.

Denver’s coach has made it clear that Knowshon doesn’t fit well in his system. His touches have been limited all year long. I do expect that to change because of the injury to McGahee but I definitely expect Lance Ball to split carries with him. The number of touches each back gets will likely be split almost evenly which is good for people who are looking for a quick pick up at running backs.

With top tailback Willis McGahee missing practice Wednesday following surgery to fix a broken finger, the Broncos (2-4) are down to two healthy backs, leaving Tebow as one of their leading rushing threats against the Detroit Lions (5-2).

Knowshon Moreno, who was supplanted as the starter by McGahee, and third-stringer Lance Ball took the bulk of the reps at practice. They figure to get a lot of action this weekend.

That is, when Tebow isn’t making things happen with his feet instead of his arm.

Any plans to run more?

“I’m going to do whatever they ask me to do. I will do it with all my heart for 60 minutes or longer,” Tebow said. “But Knowshon and Lance are going to step up and play well for us.”

McGahee, a free-agent acquisition from Baltimore, was off to a solid start in coach John Fox’s run-oriented offense before breaking a finger on his right hand in Miami. He’s expected to miss the game Sunday, even if Fox didn’t entirely rule him out.

“I’ve seen guys play — offense, defense — with casts,” Fox said. “A lot of it will depend on how fast he recuperates.”

This could open the door once again for Moreno, who spent the offseason reshaping his body through vigorous workouts to be ready to handle a heavy workload.

But Moreno tweaked his hamstring in the season opener against Oakland, didn’t play in the next two games and has watched McGahee flourish. Moreno has been used more in passing situations, scoring his only TD of the season against San Diego when he took a screen from Tebow and raced 28 yards.

Moreno isn’t looking at this as a chance to prove himself again — just a shot to be on the field more again.

“It’s going out there and playing ball,” said Moreno, a third-year pro from Georgia. “That’s all it comes down to really.”

Moreno insists the hamstring is getting stronger by the week and that he can carry the ball 18 to 20 times if necessary. He has only 17 attempts so far this season.

“I think so,” he said. “This whole week, getting well and getting out there and running on it will be good for it.”

Cutting into Moreno’s time in the backfield could be Ball, who has carried the ball 15 times for 54 yards this season. Ball also picked up a big first down late against Miami to keep the Broncos’ rally afloat.

“It’s always good to have opportunities to show that you can go out there and step up,” said Ball, who played at Maryland. “Nothing really big in this room — just next guy up. I’ve been playing in and out the whole season. This is nothing too crazy for me.”

The Lions are certainly not feeling any empathy for the Broncos’ bruised backfield situation. Detroit coach Jim Schwartz doesn’t think Denver will miss a beat should McGahee be sidelined.

“They have other good players,” Schwartz said. “Knowshon was hurt earlier in the season and he’s just coming back. Lance Ball’s a good back when you give him the ball.

“Tim Tebow runs the ball a bunch.”

That he does. But he’s trying to be more prudent about it.

When Tebow drifts back in the pocket, he fights the urge to simply take off when his first receiver isn’t available. But he’s still a work in progress in that regard.

“You have to be very wise when you choose to do either,” Tebow said. “It just plays into you being a great decision maker, which I’m trying to improve on every day.”

Tebow was the team’s second-leading rusher against the Dolphins, scrambling for 65 yards on eight attempts. His biggest run of the day was when he made something out of nothing.

After dropping back to pass, Tebow spun away from an oncoming rusher near the goal line, tucked the ball and took off down the field, rumbling for 21 yards.

That’s a dimension Tebow can bring to the run game. One that teams are trying to thwart by putting a spy on him.

“It presents some challenges for a defense,” Schwartz said of Tebow’s scrambling ability. “He’s a good combination of size and strength and speed. But I think it’s more his willingness to act like a running back and make a play that way, willing to take a hit, and those kind of things, that make him maybe a little bit different than (other) guys.

“We’re going to have to work real hard at containing him.”

Notes: DE Elvis Dumervil sat out practice Wednesday with a balky ankle, while fellow DE Robert Ayers (knee) was back on the field. … Asked about the effect his soaring popularity has on teammates, Tebow simply grinned. “That’s just something that they blow off more than anything, or we laugh about or they tease me about,” he said. “We’ve got a much better relationship to let anything like that get in the way.” … The Broncos will wear orange uniforms Sunday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

McGahee didn’t return after hurting the finger in the third quarter of an 18-15 overtime win over the Dolphins. He finished with 76 yards on 18 attempts.

The ninth-year pro is fifth in the AFC in rushing with 460 yards.

With McGahee sidelined, the Broncos will rely on Knowshon Moreno and Lance Ball to pick up the slack against the Lions.

Defensive ends Robert Ayers (knee) and Elvis Dumervil (ankle) also were banged up against the Dolphins. Coach John Fox said Monday that more information on their status would be available later in the week.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Signed (CB)Mike Mickens off Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad
*Waived (CB)Marcus McCauley
*Signed (K)Connor Barth/Dolphins
*Waived (K)Shane Andrus

Arizona Cardinals :
*Signed (DT)Antoine Holmes/Vikings to Practice Squad
*Placed (DT)Keilen Dykes on Injured Reserve from Practice Squad

St. Louis Rams :
*Signed (CB)Danny Gorrer off New Orleans Saints Practice Squad
*Waived (WR)Tim Carter

San Francisco 49ers :
*Signed (CB)Keith Smith/Lions
*Waived (WR)Michael Spurlock
*Released (TE)Carson Butler from Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks :
*Waived (RB)Edgerrin James
*Waived/Injured (S)C.J. Wallace
*Activated (WR)Mike Hass from Practice Squad
*Activated (S)Jamar Adams from Practice Squad
*Activated (CB)Roy Lewis from Practice Squad
*Re-Signed (RB)Devin Moore to Practice Squad
*Signed (CB)Trae Williams/Eagles to Practice Squad
*Signed (CB)DeAngelo Willingham/Patriots to Practice Squad

Miami Dolphins :
*Re-Signed (TE)John Nalbone to Practice Squad
*Released (WR)James Robinson from Practice Squad

New England Patriots :
*Signed (TE)Robert Myers/Eagles to Practice Squad
*Placed (TE)Robbie Agnone on Injured Reserve from Practice Squad

Cincinnati Bengals :
*Signed (FB)Fui Vakapuna off Arizona Cardinals Practice Squad
*Waived (OL)Scott Kooistra
*Signed (OL)Gerald Cadogan/Panthers to Practice Squad

Cleveland Browns :
*Waived (K)Billy Cundiff
*Waived (CB)Anthony Madison

Tennessee Titans :
*Re-Signed (WR)Chris Davis
*Waived (CB)Cary Williams
*Released (P)A.J. Trapasso from Practice Squad

Denver Broncos :
*Signed (RB)Lance Ball/Titans to Practice Squad
*Signed (DT)Carlton Powell/Browns to Practice Squad
*Released (RB)Darius Walker from Practice Squad
*Placed (DE)Everette Pedesscleaux on Injured Reserve from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Claimed (WR)Chris Chambers off waivers from San Diego Chargers

Oakland Raiders :
*Released (OL)Brandon Rodd from Practice Squad

San Diego Chargers :
*Activated (LB)James Holt from Practice Squad
*Signed (LB)Jeremy Leman/Eagles to Practice Squad

Carolina Panthers :
*Signed (TE)Jason Pociask/Colts to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Rashaad Duncan from Practice Squad

Tampa Bay Buccaneers :
*Signed (FB)Chris Pressley off Cincinnati Bengals Practice Squad
*Signed (DE)Maurice Evans/Panthers to Practice Squad

San Francisco 49ers :
*Re-Signed (CB)Tarell Brown to a 3 Year Contract Extension
*Signed (TE)Carson Butler/Lions to Practice Squad

Seattle Seahawks :
*Activated (RB)Louis Rankin from Practice Squad
*Placed (OL)Walter Jones on Injured Reserve
*Signed (LB)Anthony Heygood/Panthers to Practice Squad

Miami Dolphins :
*Signed (S)Nate Ness/Seahawks to Practice Squad
*Released (DT)Derrick Jones from Practice Squad

Cleveland Browns :
*Released (RB)Cedric Peerman from Practice Squad

Tennessee Titans :
*Signed (QB)John David Booty/Vikings to Practice Squad
*Released (RB)Lance Ball from Practice Squad

Kansas City Chiefs :
*Re-Signed (S)Ricky Page to Practice Squad

Colts activate Sanders, make final cuts

The Indianapolis Colts moved safety Bob Sanders to the active roster as part of trimming their roster to 53 today.

Sanders had been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on his right knee. The NFL’s 2007 Defensive Player of the Year is eligible for next Sunday’s regular-season opener against Jacksonville, but it’s highly doubtful he’s far enough along in his rehabilitation to play.

The team waived cornerback Dante Hughes, running backs Lance Ball and Walter Mendenhall, wide receivers Sam Giguere, Taj Smith, John Matthews and Brett McDermott, defensive linemen John Gill, Adrian Grady, Marcus Howard, Terrance Taylor and Josh Thomas, offensive linemen Steve Justice, Jaimie Thomas, Tom Pestock and Michael Toudouze, and linebacker Michael Tauiliili.

Waived-injured were cornerback Nick Graham, defensive back Travis Key and tight end Jamie Petrowski.

Defensive tackle Ed Johnson has been suspended for the season opener and does not count against the current 53-player roster.

Here’s a roundup of Maryland players battling to make NFL rosters.

Miami Dolphins
TE Joey Haynos
ILB William Kershaw

There are mixed reports out of Miami. Some think neither has done enough, while others are slightly more optimistic.

Breakdown: Haynos seems safe. Kershaw is firmly on the bubble but will probably make the squad too.

Cincinnati Bengals
RG Andrew Crummey

Believe it or not, there’s not a lot of information out there about the guard battle for the Bengals. Things don’t look great for Crummey who was signed by Cincy off of the Redskins practice squad last fall. Crummey is currently listed third on the Bengals depth chart at right guard, and the signing of first-round pick Andre Smith eats up another OL roster spot. He has gotten some snaps at center as the team deals with injuries and his best shot is making the team as a guard/center.

Breakdown: There are only so many spots and he will probably be caught in a numbers game. If he doesn’t make the squad, here’s hoping he signs with another team in a nice, warm place like San Diego.

Indianapolis Colts
RB Lance Ball
OG Jaimie Thomas

Ball has had a solid preseason and many think he’s in good shape for the final RB spot. Thomas is in an extremely tight battle on the O-line. The official depth chart doesn’t paint a pretty picture for either player, but this projected 53-man roster has them both making the cut.

Breakdown: They should both be getting time in the final preseason game. I’ll be stunned if Ball isn’t on the opening day roster. Thomas is borderline and could go either way.

Jacksonville Jaguars
DE Jeremy Navarre
P Adam Podlesh

The Jags haven’t posted an official depth chart yet, I mean it’s only August 31. Navarre is fighting an uphill battle, undrafted free agent rookies rarely make an NFL roster. Podlesh is going to be the punter.

Breakdown: One out of two for the Terps

Dallas Cowboys
RB Keon Lattimore

He has been very impressive in the preseason but with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice on the roster his only shot is if another back gets injured. Coaches have told him to use this as an opportunity to show what he can do to the other 31 teams, and he has.

Breakdown: He won’t make the Cowboys but should be signed quickly by another team.

Philadelphia Eagles
LB Moise Fokou

A seventh-round pick, Fokou was a long shot to make the team. But he’s had a strong camp, played well on special teams, and moved from OLB to the middle. All of that impressed coaches and there has even been talk that he could earn a starting spot. Omar Gaither officially got that job on Monday, but not without a fight.

Breakdown: Fokou will be an Eagle when the season starts.

Come back for part two tomorrow.