The Broncos v. Chiefs will be presented Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on RDS and RDS.ca.
The Denver Broncos have an opportunity to move closer to the West Division title and first place in the American Association, which would give them a week off in the first round of the playoffs.
It’s a position the Kansas City Chiefs know well.
Normally, they are the ones who have everything to gain at this time of year, but this season, the situation has completely changed.
The Broncos (12-3) enter Thursday night’s game at Arrowhead Stadium confident that a win, combined with a Los Angeles Chargers loss or tie against the Houston Texans on Saturday, would secure the section title.
The Chiefs (6-9) are simply trying to survive with their third quarter and a roster decimated by injuries.
“We have to continue to win. Whatever it takes to win the game, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said. At this point in the season, appearance doesn’t matter. The whole show has already happened, only the result counts.”
The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 22-19 in their first meeting in November, but last week the Jacksonville Jaguars handed them a loss in Denver, ending their 11-game winning streak.
“This particular game is crucial, and each of these players understands the importance of it with two games remaining in the season,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. I think for both teams, with a shortened week, there are defensive and offensive schemes, actions that we were not able to use in the first game, but which can still be useful. It’s an advantage.”
The Chiefs will need all the help they can get.
Patrick Mahomes tore two knee ligaments two weeks ago. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew tore a knee ligament last week, meaning veteran Chris Oladokun will be starting for the first time in his career.
The Chiefs are without their two best offensive tackles, their two best cornerbacks and their best receiver, all injured.
That doesn’t mean, however, that the reigning American champions have given up.
“Every time I play at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s a pleasure. You feel the love, you feel the energy,” said defensive tackle Chris Jones. We play for something beyond ourselves. There are a lot of kids, probably a lot of newcomers to this Christmas game, and a lot of people who have paid for their tickets. We owe it to them to give everything, to play at our best level and to be there for the fans.”
While Oladokun will make his first NFL start Thursday night, he played most of last week’s loss to the Tennessee Titans.
The journey of the former South Dakota State University quarterback has been atypical to say the least. He was released by the Chiefs during training camp last year and then spent the next eight weeks traveling the country trying out for various teams’ practice squads.
“It’s tough playing in the NFL. It’s difficult to find a place in the lineup, Oladokun explained. But it really motivated me. It really pushed me to question myself and see what I needed to improve. I told myself that if I have another chance, I won’t let it pass.”
Travis Kelce could play for the last time at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday night. He has not yet announced his retirement, but the slotback appears to be leaning toward that option, and a decision is expected shortly after the end of the season.
“He was very good,” said head coach Andy Reid. He has everything you want from a player who represents an organization.”
Dave Skretta, The Associated Press
