The Denver Broncos (12-3) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) in a Week 17 AFC West matchup on Christmas Day, with the Broncos looking to close out a strong season on a high note after clinching a playoff spot, while the Chiefs aim to salvage pride in a lost year marked by injuries and underperformance. Denver has dominated the recent series, including a 22-19 win in November, but Kansas City’s home-field edge and potential motivation could make this a trap game. Below is a fully detailed preview covering all aspects.
Venue Location
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri. This outdoor venue, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, seats approximately 76,416 fans and features a natural grass surface.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT / 7:15 p.m. CT).
Broadcast: Prime Video: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung (field reporter)
Westwood One: J.P. Shadrick, Ryan Lea
Local Radio: SiriusXM (Channel 225 for Broncos, 226 for Chiefs) and national coverage available.
Weather Updates
Expect mild but potentially breezy conditions for this outdoor game. Highs will reach around 64°F during the day, dropping to 45-50°F by kickoff, with feels-like temperatures around 59-60°F. Winds gusting up to 22 mph, cloud cover at 45-46%, and a low chance (1%) of precipitation—mostly clear skies with possible mist early. The natural grass should hold up well, but gusty winds could impact kicking and deep passes, favoring short-yardage plays and ball control.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, with the Chiefs hit harder by starter-level injuries and potential rest decisions for non-playoff contenders, while the Broncos remain relatively healthy but cautious with key pieces.
Denver Broncos: Inside linebacker Justin Strnad (undisclosed) is a full participant but monitor for any setbacks. Tight end Nate Adkins (knee, DNP), wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion, DNP), center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder, DNP), and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring, limited) are key concerns—these could strain the offensive line and run defense if not cleared. Quarterback Bo Nix is fully healthy after a strong season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Wide receiver Rashee Rice (concussion, DNP), cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee, DNP), wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion, DNP), wide receiver Nikko Remigio (knee, DNP), cornerback Jaylen Watson (groin, DNP), and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (illness, DNP) headline a lengthy list—these absences severely thin the secondary and receiving corps. Quarterback Chris Oladokun may start if Patrick Mahomes is rested, adding uncertainty.
Player Matchups
With potential rest and injuries, this game could feature backups, but key starters like Nix and the Broncos’ defense hold edges against a depleted Chiefs squad.
DEN QB Bo Nix vs. KC S Justin Reid: Nix has thrown for over 3,000 yards this season; Reid’s coverage must contain his mobility and accuracy to limit drives, especially with McDuffie out.
KC QB Chris Oladokun (potential starter) vs. DEN LB Baron Browning: Oladokun’s inexperience tests Browning’s pass rush (team-high sacks), potentially forcing turnovers.
DEN RB Javonte Williams vs. KC DL Chris Jones: Williams’ power run (1,000+ yards) vs. Jones’ interior disruption—key if Nnadi is sidelined.
KC WR Travis Kelce vs. DEN CB Pat Surtain II: Kelce’s route-running (if playing) vs. Surtain’s elite coverage—could be Kelce’s “last dance” per previews.
DEN WR Courtland Sutton vs. KC CB Jaylen Watson: Sutton’s deep threats exploit Watson (if active, groin issue), opening play-action.
These matchups favor Denver’s health and form, but Chiefs rookies could see more touches for evaluation.
Recent Team Forms
Denver Broncos (last 5 games): W-L-W-W-L. They beat the Chiefs 22-19 on Nov 16, lost 34-20 to Jax on Dec 21, but won prior games like 24-17 over LV and 27-26 OT over WSH. Form shows strong defense (holding foes under 20 in wins) but occasional offensive stalls.
espn.com +2
Kansas City Chiefs (last 5 games): L-L-L-L-L. Four straight losses, including 22-19 to Broncos on Nov 16 and earlier defeats. Form highlights struggles, with the team on Santa’s “naughty list” per reports, allowing high scores and lacking content.
Series History
The Chiefs lead the all-time series 73-58, with a 1-0 playoff edge. However, the Broncos have won the last meeting 22-19 on Nov 16, 2025, snapping a streak. All-time, Kansas City is 73-58 vs. Denver, but recent games show Denver turning the tide (3-16 in last 19 per some stats, but recent W). Games often feature close scores, with Chiefs’ largest win a historical note.
Betting Trends
Broncos: Strong as favorites (covering in recent wins), but 57.9% win chance per ESPN. Chiefs as 13-pt home underdogs, largest in franchise history since 1977. Chiefs: Returning as big dogs, but trends favor Broncos in matchups (Chiefs 3-16 SU vs. Broncos in last 19 per some data). Game-Specific: Overs in Chiefs’ recent losses; Broncos games trend under in blowouts. Chiefs 0-4 ATS in last 4; Broncos 5-2 ATS as road favorites.
BRONCOS NOTES:
• BRONCOS were 1st AFC team to clinch playoff spot & lead the NFL with 63 sacks. • QB BO NIX passed for 352 yards & TD in Week 16. Became 4th player ever with 700+ completions in 1st 2 seasons (724). Tied 3rd-most TD passes all-time in 1st 2 seasons (53). Has 300+ pass yards & TD pass in 3 of his past 4. Completed 24 of 37 atts. (64.9 pct.) for 295 yards in Week 11 meeting. • RB RJ HARVEY led team with career-high 121 scrimmage yards (71 rec., 50 rush) & had rush TD last week. Leads rookies in scrimmage TDs this season (11). Aims for his 5th in row with rush TD. Had 50 scrimmage yards (20 rec., 30 rush) in Week 11 meeting. • RB JALEEL MCLAUGHLIN rushed for 37 yards in Week 16. Had rush TD in Week 11 meeting. • WR COURTLAND SUTTON had 6 catches for 86 yards & TD last week. Aims for his 5th in row with 5+ catches. Has rec. TD in 3 of his past 4 overall & has rec. TD in 4 of his past 5 vs. KC. • WR TROY FRANKLIN had 66 rec. yards in Week 16. Aims for his 3rd in row with 65+ rec. yards. Had 84 rec. yards in Week 11 meeting. • LB ALEX SINGLETON led team with 13 tackles last week. Aims for his 4th in row with 8+ tackles. Had 7 tackles & TFL in his last game vs. KC (10/29/23). • DE JOHN FRANKLIN-MYERS had 2 sacks in Week 16. Has sack in 2 of his past 3 overall & has half sack in 4 of his past 5 vs. division. • DT D.J. JONES had 7 tackles, sack & PD last week. Had sack in Week 11 meeting. • DT MALCOLM ROACH had sack in Week 16. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4 & has sack in 2 of his past 3. • CB PAT SURTAIN II has PD in 7 of his past 8. Tied 3rd-most games in NFL with PD this season (10). • CB RILEY MOSS had 6 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 PD & sack last week.
CHIEFS NOTES:
• QB CHRIS OLADOKUN can make 1st-career start. Completed 11 of 16 atts. (68.8 pct.) for 111 yards in Week 16. • RB ISIAH PACHECO had 6 catches & led team with 75 scrimmage yards (41 rec., 34 rush) last week. Has 45+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his 4 career games vs. Den. • RB KAREEM HUNT had 62 scrimmage yards (59 rush, 3 rec.) & rush TD in Week 11 meeting. • WR XAVIER WORTHY had 41 rec. yards in Week 16. Has 50+ rec. yards in 3 of his past 4 at home. • WR HOLLYWOOD BROWN had 40 rec. yards in Week 11 meeting. • TE TRAVIS KELCE became 2nd player ever with 800+ rec. yards in 12 consecutive seasons (HOFer Jerry Rice). Aims for his 4th in row vs. division with 50+ rec. yards. Had 9 catches for 91 yards & TD in Week 11 meeting. • DE CHRIS JONES had TFL last week. Has TFL in 3 of his past 4. Had sack in Week 11 meeting. • DE GEORGE KARLAFTIS has TFL in 2 of his past 3. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. division with TFL. Had 3 tackles & TFL in Week 11 meeting. • DE MICHAEL DANNA had 5 tackles in Week 16. • DE ASHTON GILLOTTE (rookie) had 5 tackles last week. Has half sack in 2 of his past 3. • LB DRUE TRANQUILL had 10 tackles & 1st FF of season in Week 16. Aims for his 4th in row with 10+ tackles. Has TFL in 2 of his past 3. Had 7 tackles & TFL in Week 11 meeting. • LB NICK BOLTON had 10 tackles & sack last week. Aims for his 5th in row with 10+ tackles. • CB KRISTIAN FULTON had career-high 10 tackles in Week 16. • DB CHAMARRI CONNER had 4 tackles & sack last week. Had 8 tackles & sack in Week 11 meeting.
Game Odds
Denver Broncos – 13.5
Kansas City Chiefs 36.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, December 24, 2025
