The Broncos are catching a break when they host the Chiefs this weekend, as the Chiefs are resting starters, making this essential win for Denver much more attainable.
Denver’s now a 10.5-point favourite, as players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Joe Thuney, DeAndre Hopkins, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie, and Justin Reid are expected to sit out throughout the 15-1 Chiefs roster. The Broncos now have a 64 per cent chance to make the playoffs, as a win in this game guarantees that outcome for Denver.
Kickoff at Empower Field at Mile High gets going at 4:25 p.m. EST with the Broncos -10.5 on the point spread, and the total at 39.5 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Chiefs have won 17 of their last 18 meetings with the Broncos. The encouraging news for Denver is they are 5-1 ATS in their last six games with Kansas City, and probably should have defeated this Chiefs team at full strength back on November 10 — a last-second field goal block gave Kansas City a 16-14 win. Denver is now 5-1 ATS in the last six Chiefs–Broncos contests too.
Overall this season, Denver’s gone 5-2 both outright and ATS on home field. January hasn’t been a kind month to Denver though as they’re 1-5 in their last six contests played in the opening month. Kansas City’s covered in five straight January games, and while it may not be Mahomes and Kelce leading the charge this time around… Andy Reid is still coaching this squad.
Kansas City Chiefs
With Kansas City in line to rest starters, Carson Wentz will get the start at quarterback. Wentz would have the likes of Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster at receiver, and likely Noah Gray as his tight end, because well, you can’t sit everyone. Wentz, once a frontrunner for MVP back in 2017, has thrown 26 passes in the last two seasons. He actually started in Week 18 last season with the Los Angeles Rams, and defeated San Francisco in a 17 for 24, three touchdown performance that saw Wentz accumulate 219 total yards.
Running back Isiah Pacheco missed Wednesday’s practice with a ribs injury, but he’s another name to watch on Sunday granted he plays. Pacheco’s yet to produce since coming back from injury last month, which makes Week 18 a great opportunity to get Pacheco back in a groove before the post-season.
Denver Broncos
A dramatic 30-24 overtime loss at Cincinnati, along with a 34-27 defeat at L.A. the week before has the Broncos still in a win-and-get-in scenario. At 9-5, Denver looked near automatic to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015 — a year they won the Super Bowl. Denver’s playoff life falls into the hands of rookie QB Bo Nix, who had some real highs and real lows last week. Nix threw three touchdowns last weekend, highlighted by a beautiful 51-yard deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. and then another conversion to Mims Jr. on a must-have fourth down. But a late interception drastically hurt Denver’s chance to close that win out, as did a two-yard three-and-out in overtime.
Receiver Courtland Sutton is 17 yards shy of his second 1,000-yard season, and has more incentives to hit too. Sutton will make $500,000 if he reaches 1,065 yards receiving on the season, meaning he needs 82 yards Sunday. And if Sutton hauls in three receiving touchdowns Sunday, another $200,000 performance bonus is coming his way.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Chiefs vs. Broncos?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time | fav | line | total |
---|---|---|---|
Opening 30 Dec 6:04am | - | - | O +38.5 -110 |
Closing 5 Jan 11:34pm | - | - | O +38.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Chiefs Team Leaders
Touchdowns |
9 |
Rushing |
728 |
Passing |
3928 |
Receiving |
59 |
Sacks |
8 |
Interceptions |
3 |
Touchdowns |
9 |
Rushing |
513 |
Passing |
3775 |
Receiving |
81 |
Sacks |
10.5 |
Interceptions |
3 |
Touchdowns |
3 |
Rushing |
117 |
Passing |
679 |
Receiving |
19 |
Sacks |
4 |
Interceptions |
1 |
Touchdowns |
1 |
Rushing |
43 |
Passing |
144 |
Receiving |
5 |
Sacks |
1 |
Interceptions |
0 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Broncos Team Leaders
Touchdowns |
9 |
Rushing |
728 |
Passing |
3928 |
Receiving |
59 |
Sacks |
8 |
Interceptions |
3 |
Touchdowns |
9 |
Rushing |
513 |
Passing |
3775 |
Receiving |
81 |
Sacks |
10.5 |
Interceptions |
3 |
Touchdowns |
3 |
Rushing |
117 |
Passing |
679 |
Receiving |
19 |
Sacks |
4 |
Interceptions |
1 |
Touchdowns |
1 |
Rushing |
43 |
Passing |
144 |
Receiving |
5 |
Sacks |
1 |
Interceptions |
0 |
Weather

temp | 30 |
condition | sunny |
wind | Southwest 5mph |
Injuries
Matt Araiza (P)
Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Jawaan Taylor (OT)
Marlon Tuipulotu (DT)
Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Isiah Pacheco (RB)
Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Trent McDuffie (CB)
Jawaan Taylor (OT)
Jack Cochrane (LB)
Jonah Elliss (LB)
Damarri Mathis (CB)
Frank Crum (OT)
John Franklin-Myers (DE)
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB)
Quinn Meinerz (G)
Pat Surtain II (CB)
Brandon Jones (S)
Troy Franklin (WR)
Bo Nix (QB)
Injuries
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Matt Araiza (P) | Probable | Illness - 07 / 02 / 25 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
Araiza has come down with an illness, but is expected to face the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th. |
|||||
Patrick Mahomes (QB) | Probable | Ankle - 07 / 02 / 25 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
Mahomes is dealing with an ankle injury, but is expected to face the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th. |
|||||
Jawaan Taylor (OT) | Questionable | Knee - 31 / 01 / 25 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
Taylor is nursing a knee injury, and it remains to be seen if he will return to action against the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th. |
|||||
Marlon Tuipulotu (DT) | Out indefinitely | Undisclosed - 10 / 01 / 25 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
Tuipulotu has wound up on the injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury, and there is no timetable for his return. |
|||||
Patrick Mahomes (QB) | Questionable | Ankle - 07 / 01 / 25 | 1-2 | 1-2 | + - |
Mahomes is nursing an ankle injury, and it is up in the air if he will be available against Texans on Saturday, January 18th. |
|||||
Isiah Pacheco (RB) | Questionable | Ribs - 03 / 01 / 25 | 2-2 | 1-3 | + - |
Pacheco is bothered by ribs injury, and it is unclear if he will play against Texans on Saturday, January 18th. |
|||||
Patrick Mahomes (QB) | Questionable | Rest - 02 / 01 / 25 | 2-2 | 1-3 | + - |
Mahomes is bothered by an ankle injury, and it is unclear if he will play next game. |
|||||
Trent McDuffie (CB) | Questionable | Knee - 02 / 01 / 25 | 2-2 | 1-3 | + - |
McDuffie is dealing with a knee injury, and it is uncertain if he will play against Texans on Saturday, January 18th. |
|||||
Jawaan Taylor (OT) | Questionable | Knee - 02 / 01 / 25 | 2-2 | 1-3 | + - |
Taylor is battling a knee injury, and it is unclear if he will suit up against the Bills on Sunday, January 26th. |
|||||
Jack Cochrane (LB) | Out indefinitely | Ankle - 24 / 12 / 24 | 3-2 | 2-3 | + - |
Cochrane is placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury, and he will miss an extended period. |
player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jonah Elliss (LB) | Questionable | Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 25 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
Ellis is dealing with a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will dress against the Bills on Sunday, January 12th. |
|||||
Damarri Mathis (CB) | Questionable | Back - 08 / 01 / 25 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
Mathis is hampered by a back injury, and it is uncertain if he will dress against the Bills on Sunday, January 12th. |
|||||
Frank Crum (OT) | out for season | Illness - 02 / 01 / 25 | 1-1 | 1-1 | + - |
Crum is placed on the NFI list due to an illness, and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season. |
|||||
John Franklin-Myers (DE) | Questionable | Foot - 17 / 12 / 24 | 2-2 | 3-1 | + - |
Franklin-Myers injured his foot, and his availability against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th is unknown. |
|||||
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB) | Questionable | Quadricep - 16 / 12 / 24 | 2-2 | 3-1 | + - |
McLaughlin is battling a quadricep injury, and it remains to be seen if he will return to action against the Bengals on Saturday, December 28th. |
|||||
Quinn Meinerz (G) | Questionable | Shoulder - 16 / 12 / 24 | 2-2 | 3-1 | + - |
Meinerz is tending a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will be active against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th. |
|||||
Pat Surtain II (CB) | Questionable | Ankle - 16 / 12 / 24 | 2-2 | 3-1 | + - |
Surtain II is dealing with a minor ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will play on Thursday, December 19th against the Chargers. |
|||||
Brandon Jones (S) | Questionable | Abdominal - 03 / 12 / 24 | 4-2 | 5-1 | + - |
Jones is bothered by an abdomen injury, and it is uncertain if he will suit up against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th. |
|||||
Troy Franklin (WR) | Questionable | Shoulder - 28 / 11 / 24 | 4-2 | 5-1 | + - |
Franklin is hampered by a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will play against the Browns on Monday, December 2nd. |
|||||
Bo Nix (QB) | Questionable | Back - 28 / 11 / 24 | 4-2 | 5-1 | + - |
Nix is hobbled by a back injury, and it has yet to be determined if he will be active against the Browns on Monday, December 2nd. |
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 30 Dec 6:04am - - O +38.5 -110 Closing 5 Jan 11:34pm - - O +38.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Chiefs Team Leaders
Touchdowns 9
Rushing 728
Passing 3928
Receiving 59
Sacks 8
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 9
Rushing 513
Passing 3775
Receiving 81
Sacks 10.5
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 3
Rushing 117
Passing 679
Receiving 19
Sacks 4
Interceptions 1
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 43
Passing 144
Receiving 5
Sacks 1
Interceptions 0
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Broncos Team Leaders
Touchdowns 9
Rushing 728
Passing 3928
Receiving 59
Sacks 8
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 9
Rushing 513
Passing 3775
Receiving 81
Sacks 10.5
Interceptions 3
Touchdowns 3
Rushing 117
Passing 679
Receiving 19
Sacks 4
Interceptions 1
Touchdowns 1
Rushing 43
Passing 144
Receiving 5
Sacks 1
Interceptions 0
-
Weather
temp 30 condition sunny wind Southwest 5mph -
Injuries
Matt Araiza (P)
Probable Illness - 07 / 02 / 25Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Probable Ankle - 07 / 02 / 25Jawaan Taylor (OT)
Questionable Knee - 31 / 01 / 25Marlon Tuipulotu (DT)
Out indefinitely Undisclosed - 10 / 01 / 25Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Questionable Ankle - 07 / 01 / 25Isiah Pacheco (RB)
Questionable Ribs - 03 / 01 / 25Patrick Mahomes (QB)
Questionable Rest - 02 / 01 / 25Trent McDuffie (CB)
Questionable Knee - 02 / 01 / 25Jawaan Taylor (OT)
Questionable Knee - 02 / 01 / 25Jack Cochrane (LB)
Out indefinitely Ankle - 24 / 12 / 24Jonah Elliss (LB)
Questionable Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 25Damarri Mathis (CB)
Questionable Back - 08 / 01 / 25Frank Crum (OT)
out for season Illness - 02 / 01 / 25John Franklin-Myers (DE)
Questionable Foot - 17 / 12 / 24Jaleel McLaughlin (RB)
Questionable Quadricep - 16 / 12 / 24Quinn Meinerz (G)
Questionable Shoulder - 16 / 12 / 24Pat Surtain II (CB)
Questionable Ankle - 16 / 12 / 24Brandon Jones (S)
Questionable Abdominal - 03 / 12 / 24Troy Franklin (WR)
Questionable Shoulder - 28 / 11 / 24Bo Nix (QB)
Questionable Back - 28 / 11 / 24Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Matt Araiza (P) Probable Illness - 07 / 02 / 25 1-0 1-0 + - Araiza has come down with an illness, but is expected to face the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th.
Patrick Mahomes (QB) Probable Ankle - 07 / 02 / 25 1-0 1-0 + - Mahomes is dealing with an ankle injury, but is expected to face the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th.
Jawaan Taylor (OT) Questionable Knee - 31 / 01 / 25 1-0 1-0 + - Taylor is nursing a knee injury, and it remains to be seen if he will return to action against the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9th.
Marlon Tuipulotu (DT) Out indefinitely Undisclosed - 10 / 01 / 25 1-2 1-2 + - Tuipulotu has wound up on the injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury, and there is no timetable for his return.
Patrick Mahomes (QB) Questionable Ankle - 07 / 01 / 25 1-2 1-2 + - Mahomes is nursing an ankle injury, and it is up in the air if he will be available against Texans on Saturday, January 18th.
Isiah Pacheco (RB) Questionable Ribs - 03 / 01 / 25 2-2 1-3 + - Pacheco is bothered by ribs injury, and it is unclear if he will play against Texans on Saturday, January 18th.
Patrick Mahomes (QB) Questionable Rest - 02 / 01 / 25 2-2 1-3 + - Mahomes is bothered by an ankle injury, and it is unclear if he will play next game.
Trent McDuffie (CB) Questionable Knee - 02 / 01 / 25 2-2 1-3 + - McDuffie is dealing with a knee injury, and it is uncertain if he will play against Texans on Saturday, January 18th.
Jawaan Taylor (OT) Questionable Knee - 02 / 01 / 25 2-2 1-3 + - Taylor is battling a knee injury, and it is unclear if he will suit up against the Bills on Sunday, January 26th.
Jack Cochrane (LB) Out indefinitely Ankle - 24 / 12 / 24 3-2 2-3 + - Cochrane is placed on the injured reserve list with an ankle injury, and he will miss an extended period.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Jonah Elliss (LB) Questionable Shoulder - 12 / 01 / 25 1-0 0-1 + - Ellis is dealing with a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will dress against the Bills on Sunday, January 12th.
Damarri Mathis (CB) Questionable Back - 08 / 01 / 25 1-0 0-1 + - Mathis is hampered by a back injury, and it is uncertain if he will dress against the Bills on Sunday, January 12th.
Frank Crum (OT) out for season Illness - 02 / 01 / 25 1-1 1-1 + - Crum is placed on the NFI list due to an illness, and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
John Franklin-Myers (DE) Questionable Foot - 17 / 12 / 24 2-2 3-1 + - Franklin-Myers injured his foot, and his availability against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th is unknown.
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB) Questionable Quadricep - 16 / 12 / 24 2-2 3-1 + - McLaughlin is battling a quadricep injury, and it remains to be seen if he will return to action against the Bengals on Saturday, December 28th.
Quinn Meinerz (G) Questionable Shoulder - 16 / 12 / 24 2-2 3-1 + - Meinerz is tending a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will be active against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th.
Pat Surtain II (CB) Questionable Ankle - 16 / 12 / 24 2-2 3-1 + - Surtain II is dealing with a minor ankle sprain, and it is unknown if he will play on Thursday, December 19th against the Chargers.
Brandon Jones (S) Questionable Abdominal - 03 / 12 / 24 4-2 5-1 + - Jones is bothered by an abdomen injury, and it is uncertain if he will suit up against the Chargers on Thursday, December 19th.
Troy Franklin (WR) Questionable Shoulder - 28 / 11 / 24 4-2 5-1 + - Franklin is hampered by a shoulder injury, and it is unclear if he will play against the Browns on Monday, December 2nd.
Bo Nix (QB) Questionable Back - 28 / 11 / 24 4-2 5-1 + - Nix is hobbled by a back injury, and it has yet to be determined if he will be active against the Browns on Monday, December 2nd.