The Kansas City Chiefs will remain on the road to close out the regular season against the Denver Broncos in Week 18. This divisional matchup comes with vastly different stakes for each team. Kansas City, having already clinched the top seed in the AFC, plans to rest key starters ahead of the postseason.
The Chiefs head into this game atop the conference with a 15-1 record, leaving this game as more of a tune-up opportunity for backups. On the other hand, the 9-7 Broncos are fighting for their playoff lives. A win on Sunday locks in Denver’s playoff position, while a loss opens the door for other teams.
Despite the contrasting situations, this matchup has meaning for both teams. Denver will field its full roster in a must-win scenario, while Kansas City’s reserves will take the field looking to come away with a win, but also showcase themselves. Kickoff for the regular season finale is set for Sunday, January 5 at 4:25 p.m. EDT on CBS.
Game/Team Matchup Info
For the first time this season, the Chiefs enter a game as significant underdogs, with ESPN odds listing the Broncos as eight-point favorites. This line should not come as a surprise to anyone given the fact Kansas City will be setting several starters on all three phases, including Patrick Mahomes. The over/under for this game is also set at 39.5 points, anticipating another defensive battle between these teams.
These teams met for the first time this season back in Week 10 with the Chiefs escaping with a 16-14 win. Kansas City clinched their victory with a blocked game-winning field goal attempt as time expired. Overall, the Chiefs lead the all-time series 73-56 and have dominated in recent years, winning 16 of the last 17 meetings.
Offensively, Kansas City enters this game ranked 13th overall, supported by a strong passing attack which has improved over the season. Denver, on the other hand, ranks 22nd in total offense and only has the Chiefs beaten in scoring offense with the difference being 24.1 points per game to 24.2. Defensively, the Chiefs also have a significant advantage, ranking fourth overall compared to Denver’s 15th.
Chiefs Backup Quarterback Carson Wentz Takes the Spotlight
Carson Wentz will make his first start for the Kansas City Chiefs this season as Mahomes rests. Wentz, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, is going to have an opportunity to showcase his skills in a starting role this weekend. Wentz hopes he can prove that he is still a starting-caliber quarterback in this league.
Kansas City’s offensive strategy will likely mimic how Mahomes has played this season. With the offense focused on establishing a balanced attack, Fullback Carson Steele is expected to receive the majority of the touches with starter Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt expected to be sidelined for this game. Wentz’s receiving options will be a mix of players called up from the practice squad and on the backend of the depth chart. However, his top receiving target will likely end up being veteran Wide Receiver DeAndre Hopkins because he should see some action to cash in on his performance bonuses.
The game will also test Wentz’s ability to lead a group of players against a playoff-hungry defense on the road. If he performs well, it could be the boost he needs to find himself another home come the upcoming offseason.
Broncos’ Playoff Push Hinges On Rookie QB Bo Nix
For the Broncos, rookie Quarterback Bo Nix carries the weight of Denver’s playoff hopes. Nix has had a solid first season in the NFL, throwing for 3,454 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. However, this game will be his biggest challenge since becoming a pro.
Denver’s offense has been a middling group this season, and this week in particular will have to lean on both Nix and their Head Coach Sean Payton. That duo will need to come up with a game plan and execute it against Kansas City’s backups. The pressure is on the Broncos as they look to secure their first playoff berth since 2015. However, if Nix falters this weekend then his team’s fate will hinge on the results of other AFC games.
Denver’s offensive line must be at the top of their game protecting Nix. Even without Defensive Tackle Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ pass rush is still a formidable unit that can cause any front problems. If Denver hopes to win this game, then it’s going to start in the trenches. If they’re able to win that battle then the doors will open for them to be able to get their lead-back Javonte Willams going along with establishing their passing attack led by Courtland Sutton.
Players To Watch For the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs offensive player to watch this week is Carson Wentz who will get the start for the Chiefs as Mahomes rests. Kansas City enters this game with nothing meaningful to play for, however the same cannot be said for Wentz who used to be one of the more productive quarterbacks in the NFL until injuries derailed his career. This week’s game presents an opportunity for Wentz to showcase to teams all around the league that he is still capable of being a starter at the quarterback position.
Defensively, rookie Safety Jaden Hicks is the player to watch for Kansas City. Hicks has impressed during his first season in the NFL. He currently leads the Chiefs defense with a team-high three interceptions in limited snaps. With starters sitting out in this upcoming game, Hicks will have his most playing time of the season and the opportunity to play himself into a potential starting role moving forward.
Players To Watch For the Denver Broncos
On Denver’s side, the offensive player to watch heading into this game is Nix. The rookie quarterback enters what is arguably the biggest game of his football career up to this point. A win and the Denver Broncos are back into the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. A loss and the Broncos will have to wait and hope both the Dolphins and Bengals lose their respective games, so Denver can make it in.
However, if Nix can take care of business against a backup Chiefs team at home, then there will be no need for any hoping any praying. Nix has the talent, coaching, and everything else he needs around him to come away with the win. It is ultimately going to come down to him and if he’s able to get it done come crunch time.
On the other side of the ball, the player to watch is Cornerback Riley Moss. Moss struggled in his return from injury last week but for the season he is one of Denver’s top defensive players. He is third on the team with 85 tackles. Heading into his game he will likely also have the Hopkins assignment, and if he’s able to return to form this week, he could shut down the star receiver. That could go a long way in helping his team pull out this win, and returning to postseason play.
Final Thoughts
The Kansas City Chiefs enter this game with practically nothing on the line, besides allowing backups to showcase their talents and gain valuable in-game experience. Players like Carson Wentz and Jaden Hicks both have an opportunity to shift the trajectory of their careers with strong performances this weekend. Meanwhile, the Broncos have everything to play for as they chase their first playoff berth since 2015. With Bo Nix leading the charge, Denver must execute in all phases to secure this victory and extend its season.
