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The Broncos will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 at 2:25 p.m. MT.
The Broncos will return home for a regular-season finale vs. the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. Denver will look to get back in the win column and earn the team’s first playoff berth since 2015 after suffering two consecutive road losses.
Denver’s offense — which ranks 10th in the league in points per game this season — should look for a fast start on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix — who completed 24-of-31 passes for 219 yards, three touchdowns and a 114.9 passer rating in Week 17 — should look for another strong performance vs. the Chiefs. The Broncos have allowed just 24 sacks this season, which is tied for the third fewest in the NFL. With this protection, Nix could look to distribute the ball to playmakers such as wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who is just 17 receiving yards away from recording his first 1,000-yard season since 2019. Sutton leads the Broncos with 76 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns in 2024. With a Denver victory on Sunday, Nix would join Hall of Famer John Elway as the only rookies in Broncos history to lead their teams in passing en route to a playoff berth.
Defensively, the Broncos should aim to finish the regular season with another dominating performance. Denver’s defense leads the NFL in sacks with 58, which is the most by a Broncos team in franchise history. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection this week, leads the team with 11.5 sacks and should look to add to this tally on Sunday. Bonitto and Co. will aim to pressure quarterback Carson Wentz, who is expected to start for the Chiefs in Week 18. Defensive lineman Zach Allen — who recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks in Week 17 and leads the NFL with 39 quarterback hits in 2024 — could also look to apply pressure and make game-changing plays. Cornerback Pat Surtain II has allowed the lowest passer rating among 120 cornerbacks with 25-plus targets as the nearest defender in coverage in 2024, and he should aim to continue this dominant play on Sunday.
The Broncos ruled out tackle Frank Crum (illness) and listed running back Tyler Badie (back) as questionable. Badie would need to be activated to the 53-man roster to play against Kansas City.
The Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Mecole Hardman (knee), cornerback Jaylen Watson (ankle), running back Isiah Pacheco (rib) and tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee). They listed linebacker Nick Bolton, running back Kareem Hunt, defensive end George Karlaftis, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Justin Reid and linebacker Drue Tranquill as doubtful with a “not injury related – coaching” designation. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (ankle/NIR – coaching), cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee/NIR – coaching) and defensive lineman Chris Jones (calf/NIR – coaching) are also listed as doubtful.
Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz
Analyst: Tony Romo
Sideline: Tracy Wolfson
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Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
Play-by-Play: Steve Levy
Analyst: Harry Douglas
Sideline: Lindsey Thiry
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“We’ve got to win the game,” wide receiver Courtland Sutton said Wednesday. “Simple. There’s nothing else that goes into it. People say, ‘It’s never black and white.’ It’s black and white. We’ve got to win the game. And that’s as simple as it gets.”
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The Broncos have added a defender to their game-day roster.
All four of the other players on the Broncos’ injury report were not assigned game statuses, which indicates they will be available to play against the Chiefs.
Bonitto has recorded 11.5 sacks, two defensive touchdowns, 14 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits this season.
Tackle Frank Crum (illness) did not practice for the second consecutive day.
The sixth-year player leads all interior defensive lineman with 65 quarterback pressures this season.
Each year, the Ed Block Courage Award honors players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship. Recipients are selected by their teammates for exceptional courage, great character and inspiring effort.
The Good Guy Award, created in memory of late Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams, is given annually to a player who exemplifies Williams’ enthusiasm, honesty and cooperation while working with the media.
The honor was created in 2021 to honor the life and legacy of late former Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, and the award is presented to the player who exhibits Thomas’ impact on and off the field.
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