Broncos vs. Chiefs picks, predictions from NFL experts ahead of Week 17 game

Broncos vs. Chiefs picks, predictions from NFL experts ahead of Week 17 game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will square off in what will be the third and final game of the NFL’s Christmas Day slate.

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While the Chiefs have nothing to play for but pride, the Broncos are in a hard-fought battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference and the AFC West title.

Denver sits in the top spot in the conference and AFC West, but the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers are on their heels. As a result, Denver must emerge victorious on Thursday night.

The Broncos were gift-wrapped a fantastic opportunity this week, as the Chiefs are down several key players, including Patrick Mahomes, Rashee Rice and Trent McDuffie, all of whom are on injured reserve.

Even Mahomes’ backup, Gardner Minshew, isn’t going to play due to injury, which leaves second-year quarterback Chris Oladokun starting for Kansas City.

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Knowing all that, are there any experts brave enough to pick the Chiefs in a game the Broncos should clearly win? Let’s find out.

Broncos vs. Chiefs picks, predictions

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Broncos 20, Chiefs 17

Iyer: “The Broncos are inching toward taking control of the division title in 2025 with the Chiefs completely fading out of the playoffs. The Chiefs are down Patrick Mahomes and maybe Gardner Minshew, too, for what feels like it will be Travis Kelce’s last home game in Kansas City. The inspiration makes it more competitive than expected in prime time.”

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Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Broncos 24, Chiefs 14

Bender: “Second-year quarterback Chris Oladokun will get the start for the Chiefs against a Denver defense that has allowed 25.8 points per game in its last four games. The Chiefs are at home, which helps, but Oladokun took four sacks against the Titans. The Broncos will get back on track with the Week 18 matchup against the Chargers looming.”

ESPN

• Pamela Maldonado: Broncos

MMQB

• Gilberto Manzano: Broncos

CBS Sports

Number of experts picking Broncos: 26

Number of experts picking Chiefs: 0