Stay here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chiefs in Denver.
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Pre-match updates
Reconnaissance report (10:51 a.m.): Find out how the Broncos compare to the Chiefs in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game Predictions
Parker Gabriel, screenwriter: Broncos 20, Chiefs 17
Maybe things will work out for Denver. Heavy favorite status at home will make for a festive Week 18 and a cathartic end to the playoff drought. But it’s hard to imagine Kansas City, the division’s longtime big brother, turning around and letting that happen so easily. Even with Patrick Mahomes in cap. Even with other key players just watching. Coach Andy Reid and DC Steve Spagnuolo don’t need to take a week off. However, Denver seizes its chance No. 3 and punches its ticket.
Ryan McFadden, author of the beat: Broncos 26, Chiefs 17
Third time’s the charm, right? Denver has shown it can beat the Chiefs. A blocked Arrowhead field goal attempt took away the Broncos’ chance to pull off their biggest upset of the season. On Sunday, however, the Broncos will play a group of Chiefs substitutes. The game will be closer than expected, but the Broncos should take care of business in front of their home crowd. Otherwise, they never would have deserved to make the playoffs.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 22, Chiefs 19
The KC bench would like nothing more than to send the Broncos to the beach. But without Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce and Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs don’t upset the Broncos. Sean Payton will find himself in the rhythm of the running game — meaning Bo Nix plays a big role in RPOs — as the Broncos advance to the playoffs with a white-knuckle victory.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Broncos 25, Chiefs 14
As much as Kansas City would love to spoil the Broncos’ march to the playoffs, every decision its coaching staff makes leading up to this one indicates how little they care. It’s hard to beat a team with that kind of posture, especially one as motivated as the Broncos playing in front of a frothy home crowd. The playoff drought ends Sunday, with a trip to sunny Buffalo a fitting reward after the debacle of the past two weeks.
Broncos-Chiefs NFL Week 18: Must Reads
Broncos’ Garett Bolles and Courtland Sutton have “put up with a lot of trash” over the years. Is their playoff moment finally about to arrive?
Starting with a win over Green Bay last year, the Broncos under Payton won 16 of their next 25 games, including a blistering 9-5 start through 2024.
But now they’ve lost their last two games and will likely need to win Sunday against Kansas City to finally end this playoff drought. Getting to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 2015. Getting rid of the albatross on the back of Bolles, Denver’s longest-tenured Bronco, and its other elder statesman, wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
“They’ve put up with a lot of garbage over the years and it’s time we give them the opportunity to take advantage of it,” Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey said Wednesday. “We’re excited to do this.” We talked about it today as an infraction. You’re not just playing for yourself. You play for your city, you play for your organization, you definitely play for the players that have been here a long time. Read Parker Gabriel’s full story.
Broncos HC Sean Payton says CB Pat Surtain II should win DPOY: ‘It’s an easy argument to make’
No cornerback has been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year since Stephon Gilmore in 2019. Sean Payton firmly believes Pat Surtain II should end that streak.
Surtain, Denver’s star defensive back, is currently one of the betting favorites to be named AP Defensive Player of the Year, according to FanDuel. He is ahead of outside linebackers TJ Watt (Steelers), Myles Garrett (Browns) and Andrew Van Ginkel (Vikings), as well as safety Kerby Joseph (Lions).
Teammate and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto has the ninth-best chance to win the award. Read Ryan McFadden’s full story.
Renck: After breathing down his playoff spot twice, Broncos’ Sean Payton has a chance to redeem himself against the Chiefs
The Broncos needed a seismic shift in their leadership, and owner Greg Penner realized it. Two years ago, after seeing Dalton Risner shove Brett Rypien, after seeing Randy Gregory hit a Los Angeles Ram, after hearing “SpongeBob” character Patrick Star roast Russell Wilson, Penner fired Nathaniel Hackett.
You can draw a line between this Christmas Day game and Sunday. Win and the Broncos are in the playoffs. Penner saved the Broncos by hiring Sean Payton. He’s established a culture and created accountability, but with Denver on the doorstep of its first playoff appearance since 2015, questions linger about Payton’s mindset. Read Troy Renck’s full column.
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