The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos will take the field for an epic AFC West showdown at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day.
With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, Kansas City has found itself eliminated from playoff contention and set to play for nothing but pride in front of a home crowd.
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Denver is vying to win the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and is considered the favorite to win today’s holiday showdown.
Take a look at our staff predictions to get a better idea of how the Week 17 contest between Kansas City and the Broncos might play out:
Ed Easton Jr.’s prediction
November 14, 2010; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Thomas Jones (20) is denied a touchdown on a fourth and one by Denver Broncos safety Renaldo Hill (23) in the second half at Invesco Field. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 49-29. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs will play the spoiler role on Christmas night against the Denver Broncos. The disappointing season can end on a relatively high note in the home regular-season finale for a fanbase that needs something extra to cheer about during the holidays.
Chris Oladokun will make his first career NFL start on a national stage with all to gain in this division tilt. The running game will be in the spotlight, as the third-string quarterback shouldn’t be relied on to throw for 300+ yards in his first start against a ferocious defense. Harrison Butker should be utilized often, depending on the efficiency of the drives.
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The Chiefs’ defense will be motivated to pressure Bo Nix often to give themselves a chance to win. The turnover battle needs to be in their favor, and they need to rely on the energy from the Arrowhead Stadium crowd.
Final score: Broncos 24, Chiefs 14
Jon Ediger’s prediction
Nov 13, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster (22) runs for yardage as Denver Broncos strong safety Chris Harris (25) attempts the tackle in the fourth quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
With two games left to play this season, Kansas City’s sixteen-week-long nightmare is almost over.
The primary focus of Thursday’s matchup will be the effort of the Chiefs’ backups. A victory, though not entirely out of the question, is unlikely given the state of Kansas City’s roster. Major performances from second- and third-string players could help answer some of the many questions the Chiefs have going into the offseason.
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One key player to watch on Thursday will be superstar tight end Travis Kelce, who very well may be playing his final game at Arrowhead. The four-time All-Pro will be quarterback Chris Oladokun’s primary target as he looks to finish off his thirteenth season as Kansas City’s top receiver. Expect Kelce to have a solid outing on Thursday, though it will not be enough to secure a win.
Final score: Broncos 28, Chiefs 13
John Dillon’s prediction
DENVER, CO – JANUARY 01: Wallace Gilberry #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 7-3. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Kansas City will almost certainly lose this game. If they don’t, it should be considered a Christmas miracle. Expect Denver to take an early lead and pull its starters when the game is in hand. It may be best for younger Chiefs fans to avert their eyes.
At least we have the draft to look forward to.
Final score: Broncos 33, Chiefs 3
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 3 predictions for Chiefs’ Christmas Day showdown vs. Broncos