The Broncos were protecting a huge lead and knew the Chiefs had to throw the ball out of their two-minute offense for much of the second half Sunday, but the Chiefs’ Matt Cassel was 21-of-37 for 300 yards passing and three touchdowns after halftime in the Broncos’ 20-point victory.

The Broncos were never in danger, with a 35-10 lead at halftime and a 42-10 lead early in the third quarter, but Monday they face Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, and Rivers has flourished in one-dimensional games this season.

Rivers leads the league with 2,944 yards passing in an offense that is 16th in rushing.

“I think we were fortunate to put (the Chiefs) in that position,” coach Josh McDaniels said. “There’s certainly plays we can execute better so they’re not throwing the ball for whatever they threw it for in the second half, but I think any time you get a lead like that and it becomes the passing game, if we can put ourselves in that position again I’m sure we wouldn’t mind it. We’ll try to play a little better pass defense as we go.”

A different take.

Chargers coach Norv Turner, despite four consecutive AFC West titles with the team, has taken his share of criticism, but Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey offered a different opinion Thursday.

Asked about the Chargers coming off a bye, the nine- time Pro Bowl selection said, “Norv has one of the best minds in football.”

Bailey played for Turner for two seasons in Washington.

Footnotes.

The Broncos re-signed running back Andre Brown to their practice squad. The Broncos claimed Brown off waivers Sept. 5 and released him Sept. 15. Then in a four-week span, the Broncos signed him to their practice squad, promoted him to the active roster, then released him again Oct. 16. . . . Cornerback Andre Goodman (thigh) was the only Broncos player held out of Thursday’s practice.

Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post