For the first time since September, the Denver Broncos (12-3) suffered a loss.
Now they’ll look to get back in the win column when they travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) on Christmas night.
And while the loss was disappointing, everything is still in front of Bo Nix and the Broncos. It starts with a rebound win at Arrowhead Stadium.
Since the Chiefs will be down to their third-string quarterback, FanDuel Sportsbook has Denver as the huge -12.5-point favorites. The total sits at over/under 36.5 points.
Offensive Rankings
Denver: Tenth in total offense (352.1 yards per game), 18th in rushing offense (118.3 YPG), eighth in passing offense (233.9 YPG), 13th in scoring offense (24.1 points per game).
Kansas City: Thirteenth in total offense (342.9 yards per game), 22nd in rushing offense (109.7 YPG), ninth in passing offense (233.2 YPG), 20th in scoring offense (22.5 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Denver: Fourth in total defense (291.6 yards per game), second in rushing defense (90.2 YPG), 10th in passing defense (201.4 YPG), fifth in scoring defense (19.7 points per game).
Kansas City: Tenth in total defense (307.9 yards per game), ninth in rushing defense (103.4 YPG), 12th in passing defense (204.5 YPG), fourth in scoring defense (19.6 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Thursday night’s game.
Don’t eff it up!
The Chiefs are down Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. Kansas City has been eliminated from the AFC Playoffs. So don’t eff around and look passed the Chiefs. Crazy things happen at Arrowhead in December, especially when the Broncos play there. Denver must take Thursday’s game seriously. The Broncos should win this game, so play and think as if it were a playoff game. All of the Broncos’ goals are within reach, but it starts with a victory on Christmas night. — Ian St. Clair
Play KC’s nightmare on Christmas
The Chiefs will be rolling out a third-string QB on Christmas. Chris Oladukun has taken over for the injured Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, and the Chiefs are playing for draft position more than anything else. How does Denver get back on track? Nightmare on Christmas. A Santa Claus-sized bag of sacks and harassment for the third-string QB. — Adam Malnati
Win
Just win. I don’t care how. Just get to 13-3 and begin preparing for the Los Angeles Chargers. Win out and get the one seed. That is literally all that matters! — Tim Lynch
Lean on the run game
They should be able to lean on their run game a bit more, as there’s no good reason they should ever trail in this game. I’d like for them to try some more between-the-tackles running for Jaleel McLaughlin and some more tosses or stretches for Harvey. Let’s see what they can work with. — Ross Allen
Play fundamental football
Over the past few weeks, the Broncos have had some issues with the fundamentals. Miscues, missed tackles, penalties, drops, and turnovers have been holding the team back. After being soundly defeated by Jacksonville, it’s time for Denver to shape up and keep the self-inflicted wounds to a minimum. Even though the Chiefs are without their two top quarterbacks, this isn’t a game where Denver can inhibit itself from earning a must-win game. If they want to leave Arrowhead Stadium victorious, the Broncos have to play fundamental football. — Christopher Hart
