Mahomes battles the Broncos’ secondary as Puka Nacua and Devon Witherspoon fight for the NFC West lead

The brightest stars in the NFL collide on the gridiron this weekend, and with the playoff picture beginning to take shape, every matchup takes on even more importance.

DAZN News’ Gavin Babbitt breaks down some of the key Week 11 battles below.

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Patrick Mahomes, (QB, KC) vs. Broncos’ Secondary (CB/S, DEN)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes comes off a bye to face Denver's elite secondary. The Broncos are allowing a league-low 4.9 yards per play through the air. 

Typically, opponents do not play more than three receivers against Denver due to its pass-rush ability. The Chiefs will challenge that trend using Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce in the slot. It will force rookie Jahdae Barron and safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones into coverage.

Ja’Quan McMillan has handled most of the slot coverage for the Broncos, meaning he will be assigned to Rashee Rice. While the Broncos’ corner allows only 10 yards after the catch per game, expect Rice to be effective with the ball in his hands.

Rice’s size is an advantage, and his speed will help with separation. Mahomes must capitalise on getting the ball out quickly; both of Rice’s touchdowns have come on short routes this season. 

Assigning Hufanga to cover Kelce will slow the tight end down significantly. Kelce is much bigger than Hufanga, Barron and Jones, but will not beat them with his speed.

However, the Chiefs will have an advantage with Kelce if Mahomes can escape the pocket against pressure. The two have arguably the best connection ever on ad-lib plays.

The Broncos blitz at a very high rate (33.4%). Historically, Patrick Mahomes has terrorized blitz-heavy schemes. If Denver brings the blitz, Mahomes will have one-on-one looks for Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown and Rice downfield.

Riley Moss is the deepest targeted cornerback for the Broncos. Moss has allowed a team-high three touchdowns in coverage this year. 

The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s best-coached teams. They will scheme to take advantage of what the Denver defense gives them.

Puka Nacua (WR, LAR) vs. Devon Witherspoon (CB, SEA) 

Puka Nacua is averaging over 12 yards per catch with an 85% reception rate. Devon Witherspoon is a versatile cornerback who can match Nacua’s physicality and play in different alignments.

Nacua is hurting defenses on short and medium routes. These plays will extend drives for the Rams if Witherspoon continues to allow receptions at the rate he has this season. 

Witherspoon is allowing about 8.5 yards per catch, which is nearly even with Nacua’s average depth of target.

• Read next | Chiefs try to end Broncos' streak, Seahawks-Rams for first place: Week 11 talking points

Any forced incompletions are huge for the Seattle cornerback this week. Witherspoon has a history of breaking up passes. The young cornerback must remain sharp to limit Nacua's threat in the end zone.

Where Nacua is perhaps the most dangerous is with the ball in his hands. He ranks third among receivers this year in yards after the catch (300).

Witherspoon is one of the few corners with the speed and tackling that can challenge Nacua in this part of his game. A Seattle win will hinge on Witherspoon and the Seahawks’ secondary getting Nacua to the ground. This is one of the most critical aspects of this matchup. 

While Devon Witherspoon has an ideal profile when trying to defend Puka Nacua, the Rams’ receiver will continue his All-Pro production this week. Matthew Stafford is on fire, and targeting Nacua has been a cornerstone of his season. 

Aidan Hutchinson (ED, DET) vs. Jordan Mailata (LT, PHI) and Lane Johnson (RT, PHI) 

Aidan Hutchinson has become one of the NFL’s most feared edge rushers. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson are the best offensive tackle duo in the league. 

Hutchinson rushes both edges of the line of scrimmage. This will test his technique as he will face premier talent regardless of which alignment he is in. 

If Hutchinson can mix power and speed rushes on both sides, it will complicate the protection needed for the Eagles. Any extra pressure will be a headwind for a Philadelphia passing game that has struggled to gain yardage this season.

At 6-foot-7, Hutchinson is taller than most pass rushers of his calibre. This is a notable asset against Mailata and Johnson, who are both of similar height. Hutchinson’s length will help him get to the outside, a key in containing a mobile quarterback like Jalen Hurts. 

Mailata and Johnson must force Hutchinson inside, where others can offer help. This will also give Hurts more room to extend plays.

Both Mailata and Johnson are excellent at preventing pressure on a per-snap basis. Look for Hutchinson to play more snaps on the left side of the Eagles’ line of scrimmage with Johnson nursing an ankle injury. 

Hutchinson will have his looks at sacks and forced fumbles. If they are converted, he will be the backbone of a Lions victory.