On January 5, 2025, the Denver Broncos will square off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, with the stakes heightened for the Broncos who seek to secure their spot in the NFL playoffs. The Broncos, currently 9-7, must win to clinch the No. 7 seed, participating for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 victory, which feels like ages ago. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are comfortably positioned at 15-1, having already locked up the AFC's No. 1 seed.<\/p>
Kickoff for this high-pressure game is set for 4:25 p.m. ET. The Broncos, needing to win, will be taking on the formidable challenge of the Chiefs, who may rest many of their key starters—an indication of their secure position heading to the playoffs. "It's been brutal trying to clinch this slot; we need every ounce of energy to power through this," said one Broncos player about the importance of this matchup.
Historically, the rivalry has seen multiple clashes, and the Broncos will aim to turn the tides after narrowly losing to the Chiefs earlier this season, 16-14, on a last-minute blocked field goal. This time, the Broncos' motivation will be high as they don their throwback uniforms, sporting the iconic Orange Crush look, intended to inspire the team and energize the home crowd.
According to CBS Sports, the betting line favors the Broncos significantly, with them being 11-point favorites against the Chiefs. This spread raises eyebrows considering the Chiefs have been on quite the streak, but their potential resting of starters could throw the betting dynamics. “It’s not often we see these kinds of odds, especially for teams with such differing records, but the Chiefs might give us their second-stringers this time,” noted SportsLine's betting analyst.
Beyond the statistics, this game is filled with narratives. For the Broncos, the matchup acts as both opportunity and necessity. A loss means they're out, with no recourse — their playoff hopes hanging by the thread. For Kansas City, the game could become something of a showcase for their lesser-known talents as many of the starters—including superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes—are likely to take the day off to rest up for the playoffs. Reports indicate Mahomes, with nearly 4,000 passing yards this season, could spend the game on the sidelines, which could change the complexion of the contest sharply.
Should the Broncos secure victory, they confirm their postseason participation with the simplest of methods — win and they’re in. Their playoff fate is clearly outlined before them. A tie against Kansas City would still clinch their spot, but then again, hoping for any outcome other than victory often leads to nail-biting scenarios.
On the flip side, the Chiefs are preparing to fine-tune their lineup for the playoff run. They may throw the opportunity to spotlight lesser-known players. Carson Wentz, who has only played sparse minutes this season, could find himself leading the Chiefs’ offense if starters sit out. Kansas City coach Andy Reid might be putting Wentz under the spotlight for what could be called tryouts for other teams — every minute on the field tonight counts. After years with the Eagles, he faces off on unfamiliar territory, but it is precisely this platform which he needs to prove he still deserves to be considered as a starter moving forward.
Fans can tune in to CBS this Sunday to catch the game live. Radio coverage will be available nationally via ESPN Radio and locally on KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM. Different streaming options, including Paramount+, offer ways to catch the action whether at home or on the go.
For the Broncos to succeed, they will need to leverage home-field advantage and maintain high energy from kickoff. Key players like Bo Nix, who has emerged as one of the season’s top quarterbacks with impressive passing and rushing yards, alongside reliable playmakers like Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams, must step up. The defense will also have to turn around their previous performances, needing to clamp down on Wentz and any other Chief quarterbacks who may take the field against them.
"We only have one thing on our mind. This win has to happen, or our season is over," said Sutton, capturing the essence of the Broncos' anticipation. Whether they can outmaneuver the formidable Chiefs remains to be seen. Game day is upon us, and with it, all eyes are on the Denver Broncos as they strive to seize their chance for playoff redemption.