Conclusion: A fast start helps Twenty NFL teams haven't scored 72 points for the entire season. The Broncos have scored that many in the first half of their three games.

Denver's 114 points overall lead the league by four over San Diego. That total also is tied for the NFL's fifth-highest through three games since 1970. The Rams' 119 points in 2000 ranks No. 1.

With 37 points at Kansas City on Sunday, the Broncos would move into the top five for most points through four games since 1970. With 49 points, they would overtake the 2002 Raiders (162) for first place on that list.

In other words, the Broncos know what the heck they're doing offensively.

Coach Mike Shanahan has a young, talented group of skilled players and a rare philosophy that scripts the first 15 plays of both halves.

"It goes perfect -- definitely in the first half," said running back Andre Hall, referring to the scripted plays. "In the meetings, it's called out, 'This is how it's going to be. This is what's going to happen.' And it works right on time. The first game, I was shocked. But I can kind of see now how they're setting things up in practice."

The Broncos lead the league in point differential in the first half (plus-36), which is an important part of their 3-0 record.

Seven of the eight division leaders are among the top 10 in point differential in the first half. The only one that isn't is Baltimore (plus-4), but the Ravens have played only two games.

The NFL's six winless teams are in the bottom 10 in first-half point differential. Overall, the bottom 10 teams in that category are a combined 5-27.