In a Saturday showcase between AFC West Rivals the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. This matchup will be one to watch as the Chiefs are playing for #1 seed and a first-round bye. The Denver Broncos on the other hand are looking to end their season on a high note.

Here is what to watch for

Date/Time: January 8, 2022. 1:30 PM PST/4:30 PM EST/ 2:30 PM MT

Spread (Different depending on the company/sportsbook): (Fanduel) Broncos +10.5 (+385) and Chiefs -10.5 (-500)

Injury Report: Broncos: Dalton Risner, Pat Surtain II, Kareem Jackson, and Ronald Darby will be out. Shelby Harris is questionable

Chiefs: Lucas Niang and Clyde Edwards Helaire will be out.

Denver Broncos (7-9, 4th in the AFC West)

After starting the season hot out the gate, the Denver Broncos have gone through a roller coaster of a year. However ending the season at home versus the Chiefs, the Broncos have the potential to end the season on a win, and the opportunity to play spoiler to the Chiefs and hinder their chance for the first seed in the AFC conference.

For that to happen however this is what the Broncos must do to win.

1. Establish the run. Even though the Chiefs primary focus will be to prevent excellent performances from Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. The Broncos running backs during this two-week span have only rushed a combined total of 71 yards. An after Javonte Williams 102 and Mike Boone’s 35-yard game. The Broncos have shown they can rush their way to a win.

2. Successful Third downs/Control the time of possession. As shown from their last matchup at Kansas City the Broncos won the time of possession (Den 33:30 to KC 26:30). However due to a lack of a successful passing attack, missed opportunities on third down, and questionable playcalling. The Broncos offense was off that night. Allowing the Chiefs defense to take control.

   When looking at last week's game versus the Bengals, if the Broncos can have a similar or at least near successful performance. Denver can steal a win at the mile high.

3. Have a dominant defensive performance to that of week 13. Lastly, to focus on the defense, the squad overall showcased a great gameplan limiting Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to a combined (5 receptions for 49 yards). As well as an inconsistent night for the Chiefs offense but for the Broncos to win they are going to have a similar or yet improved gameplan that pressures the Chiefs into turnovers and unsuccessful drives. Nonetheless, that will be a tough task to do as Pat Surtain, Kareem Jackson, and Ronald Darby will be out presenting a depleted secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 1st in the AFC WEST)

After a dominant first half versus the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half just could not find an answer to regain their lead. As Bengals with the likes of Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase torched the Chiefs secondary leading to a 34-31 win.

Luckily for the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs their week 18 performance depends on them as they hold their fate as the potential number one seed in the AFC or lower. Depending on various scenarios but to focus on their matchup against the Denver Broncos. In order for the Chiefs to even be successful, they would have to be great on both sides of the ball.

As their factors for this game include

1. Get Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce more involved in the passing game. As their week 13 matchup was underwhelming however for week 18, the Chiefs passing attack will be going against a Broncos secondary that will be missing Pat Surtain II, Kareem Jackson, and Ronald Darby.

2. Not allow the Denver running backs to have a big game or a factor in the game. As mentioned earlier in the game plan for the Broncos, the Chiefs allowed Javonte Williams to have a monster game totaling 23 carries for 102 yards and 6 receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. So going into week 18 the Chiefs defensive line must crowd the box and not allow any lanes for Gordon or Williams to explore. As the Drew Lock and the Broncos passing game must be the reason for why the Chiefs defense wins or lose.

3. Control the time of possession/Don’t ease their foot off the gas pedal. To have a dominant against the Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs must create possessions and control the game as they have both offense and defense to blow out Denver.

In the end, the Chiefs hold their fate towards a first-round bye, and although they are playing on Saturday. The Chiefs with a win will have to wait for the result of the Titans vs Texans to know if the AFC will have to run through Arrowhead Stadium or not.

Thumbnail photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images