Facing a win-and-in scenario to make the playoffs, the Denver Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs. A game ahead of Miami and Cincinnati for the final AFC playoff berth, Denver controls its destiny against the top-seeded Chiefs. With Kansas City likely resting key players with its postseason status already set, the Broncos are favored by nearly double digits.
How to watch Chiefs at Broncos
Denver’s below-average offense (22nd in total yards per game) is integrating new pieces during the final weeks in the hopes of becoming more dynamic. Running backs Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, with additional carries, have put the inconsistent Broncos running game over 100 yards in each of the last two weeks.
The emergence of electric second-year receiver Marvin Mims Jr. as a credible second option for quarterback Bo Nix is another positive late-season development for Denver. The NFL’s leader in punt return yards, Mims earned 383 of his 452 receiving yards this season over the last six games. During that span, Mims is stretching the field to the tune of 16.6 yards per catch with four TDs.
Stingy during the first half of the season, Denver’s secondary has growing concerns opposite star corner Patrick Surtain II. The Bengals and Joe Burrow torched the Broncos’ overwhelmed secondary for 412 passing yards in Week 17 — constantly attacking corner Riley Moss in his return from injury.
After a convincing Christmas win over the Texans — and three games over 11 days — Kansas City could rest its contributors for a potential 24-day layoff. Kansas City doesn’t need to play its starters until a potential Jan. 18 or Jan. 19 home game during the divisional round of the playoffs.
In a similar spot to close the 2020 regular season, Andy Reid rested his starters, with Kansas City eventually losing in the Super Bowl to Tampa Bay.
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(Photo of Marvin Mims Jr.: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
