Chiefs vs. Broncos Picks, Predictions & Player Props: Chiefs Sending the Backups

• The Chiefs will sit key starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes. 

• Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns in his first matchup with the Chiefs. 

• The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks with 58. 

The 9-7 Denver Broncos will host the 15-1 Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 of the NFL season. The Chiefs are first in the AFC West, while the Broncos are third. 

Below are the odds for this game, my best bet, predictions, and best player props. 

Chiefs vs. Broncos Odds 

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Chiefs vs. Broncos: My Pick

• My Pick: Chiefs Spread at +10.5 (-110) at Caesars

The Chiefs are set to sit key starters, meaning quarterback Carson Wentz will start this game. It’s unclear how many starters on defense will sit, though. It’s safe to assume that Chris Jones will, as he hasn’t practiced with a calf injury. It remains to be seen if cornerback Trent McDuffie will or not. 

Still, Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be coaching, and I trust them, even with the backups. 

The Chiefs defense is one of the best in the league, allowing 98.3 rushing yards (fourth), 212.4 passing yards (14th), 310.8 total yards (fourth), and 18 points (second) per game. 

We won’t see all the starters, but enough will suit up to keep this game within 10. 

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Chiefs vs. Broncos Predictions 

The Broncos' playoff destiny is in their hands. If they win, they’re in. If they lose, they’ll need the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals to also lose to keep their spot. 

Their offense has been playing well lately, scoring 24 or more in each of their last six games. Quarterback Bo Nix has 15 passing touchdowns and six interceptions and has multiple passing touchdowns in five of six in that span. 

In his last game against the Chiefs, Nix threw for 215 yards and two touchdowns in a 16-14 loss. 

Of course, the Chiefs are sitting some starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Other players haven’t been confirmed yet, but I’d expect Isiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce, Jones, and maybe McDuffie to also sit. 

In Mahomes’ place will be Wentz. 

Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick, last started a game in Week 18 last season for the Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, he completed 17 of 24 passes for 163 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick. The Rams won the game 21-20. He also ran 17 times for 56 yards and a touchdown. 

It’s unconfirmed what receivers will and won’t play. Given his age and veteran status, DeAndre Hopkins will likely sit this one out. The backups on the Chiefs include Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Nikko Remigio. 

The other question includes the Chiefs' offensive line. They’re taking on a fantastic Broncos pass rush who leads the NFL in sacks with 58. 

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I expect the Broncos to win. 

However, Wentz isn’t a slouch at quarterback. I’d say he’s one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. 

I also trust the Chiefs staff to coach well enough, especially on defense, to avoid a massive blowout. 

Broncos win this one 21-14.

Chiefs vs. Broncos Best Player Props

Bo Nix 2+ Passing TDs (-123 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Nix has multiple touchdown passes in nine games this season, including in six of his last seven. He’s been fantastic lately, coming off a three-touchdown performance in Week 17. 

Taking on the Chiefs, he tossed two in their first matchup earlier this season against all of the starters.

Now, without knowing exactly who will sit, he’ll face a mix of starters and backups, potentially including backup cornerbacks like Nazeeh Johnson and Keith Taylor. 

Taylor has only played 29 snaps all season, and Johnson has allowed 24 catches for 358 yards. 

Look for Nix to continue his excellent passing performances. 

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Devaughn Vele 20+ Receiving Yards (-125 at Caesars Sportsbook)

As we head into the final week of the regular season, Vele has five targets over the last two weeks and has four receptions for 21 yards or more in each of them. 

Here, he’ll face off against a Chiefs defense that will have some backups, but he should still see plenty of nickel cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace. He’s played 114 snaps this season in coverage and has allowed 15 receptions on 17 targets. 

He has a great matchup. 

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Courtland Sutton 60+ Receiving Yards (-160 at Caesars Sportsbook)

Sutton has been the go-to target in this Broncos offense all season.  He’s seen eight or more targets in eight of his last nine games.

He’s gone for 60 yards or more in eight games. 

He hasn’t reached it in his last three games, but he did manage it in each of the six games prior. 

As mentioned several times, the Chiefs will have some backups playing, which should benefit the Nix to Sutton connection. 

He’ll continue to get targets and turn those into catches and yards. 

In their last meeting, Sutton had six catches on nine targets for 70 yards and a touchdown. 

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Chiefs vs. Broncos: How to Watch

• When: Sunday, Jan. 5 at 4:25 PM ET

• Where: Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO

• Where to Watch: CBS

Chiefs vs. Broncos Best Promos and Sportsbooks

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Chiefs vs. Broncos Injuries

• Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is questionable with a calf injury. 

• Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sitting out for rest. 

• Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is questionable with a rib injury. 

• Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor is questionable with a knee injury. 

• Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman is questionable with a knee injury. 

• Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie is questionable with a knee injury.

• Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel is questionable with a hamstring injury. 

• Broncos offensive tackle Frank Crum is questionable with an illness.

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