If the second Denver Broncos-Kansas City Chiefs game is anything like the first one this season, then we’re all in for a heck of a Christmas Day nightcap. The Christmas night game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. CST kickoff on NBC, and will be the Chiefs’ last home game of the year. Take it one game at a time.
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The Chiefs defeated the Broncos in Denver 30-27 in overtime. The Chiefs are now sitting on the fifth seed and need a Raiders loss in these last two weeks for a shot at the No. 2 seed.
Still, their division winning streak is a big reason the Chiefs made the playoffs a year ago and why in 2016 they are 10-4 and contending for the AFC West title. Kansas City can also clinch a playoff berth on Sunday with a Baltimore loss or tie.
The rookie jitter bug out of West Alabama has been simply destroying the league since the Chiefs coaching staff has learned how to use one of the fastest players in the NFL. A loss on Sunday night would cede the division title to Oakland.
It is do or die for the Denver Broncos in Week 16.
While there certainly is a case for the Broncos being a scary wild card team, they first need to focus on securing a trip to the playoffs. Their defense, with pass rushers in Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Dee Ford and Pro Bowlers in the secondary in cornerback Marcus Peters and safety Eric Berry, has consistently found a way to frustrate Derek Carr, the Oakland quarterback. You can check out more about their chances here.
With a loss however, the Chiefs will be in danger of falling in the playoff seeding, and losing their chance at a division title. Smith has struggled in the red zone all season long.
Now, with playoff implications for both teams on the line, tomorrow’s game has the potential to be a repeat of last month’s exciting matchup.
The Chiefs have their own run-game issues, however. The team has lost Jamaal Charles for the season, and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has also missed a ton of time this year.
The Chiefs figured Hill would make his mark as a kick returner when they drafted him in the fifth round, but his role expanded when receiver Jeremy Maclin was sidelined November 6 in a game against the Jaguars.
“You can film study and anticipate what’s going to happen, but until you’re actually in the game and see the situations, you don’t know for sure”, Alexander said. Houston did not practice with the team this week due to soreness in his knee.
Reserve linebacker D.J. Alexander filled in for Johnson last week.
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With their top two tight ends ruled out, the Broncos only healthy tight end is third stringer Jeff Heuerman, who would start against the Chiefs. Kick-off at Arrowhead Stadium is set for 7:30p.
