The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Thursday’s game between the Broncos (12-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium:
Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 23, Chiefs 3
The Chiefs moving from Missouri to Kansas is a serious upgrade. But one lasting memory I’ll have from Arrowhead Stadium is the night Peyton Manning muted one of the loudest crowds in professional sports — Sept. 17, 2015, a 31-24 win in which the Broncos scored 14 points in 9 seconds to stun the red sea. That’s also the most recent Broncos victory on the road vs. the Chiefs.
Overall record: 10-5
Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 27, Chiefs 9
Denver responds after their first loss in 90 days and dominates the Kansas City “JV” team on Christmas night. If the Broncos don’t win easily, real questions could start popping up about whether this team is a true contender.
Overall record: 10-5
Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 27, Chiefs 10
With the Broncos set to face the depleted Chiefs, edge rusher Nik Bonitto said, “We can’t go in there thinking it’s going to be a dub automatically.” OK, but it officially will be a dub at about 9:15 p.m. MST on Thursday.
Overall record: 11-4
Mark Kiszla’s pick: Broncos 31, Chiefs 10
While the Kansas City team that takes the field at Arrowhead might bear little resemblance to recent Super Bowl champs, the Broncos don’t have to apologize for kicking their asterisk on Christmas night.
Overall record: 9-6
Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 17, Chiefs 13
I’ve got late-game drama on my Christmas wish list. The Broncos need a fourth-quarter touchdown drive to seal a win over the lowly Chiefs. But just like Santa Claus, quarterback Bo Nix delivers when it matters the most. Denver takes another step closer to the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC.
Overall record: 9-6