After a tough Week 16 loss to the Jaguars, the Denver Broncos are entering Christmas Week with their season still very much in their own hands. A win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday would not only keep their AFC West title hopes alive, but also position them for the top seed in the AFC. It’s a high-stakes divisional showdown, and the Broncos will need some key players to step up in a big way if they’re going to leave Arrowhead Stadium with a win.
Let’s break down three players who could be the difference-makers in this must-win matchup.
RJ Harvey - Running Back
There weren’t many bright spots in Denver’s loss to Jacksonville, but rookie running back RJ Harvey gave Broncos fans something to hang their hats on. He flashed the kind of versatility that’s made him one of the most productive rookies in the league, racking up over 120 all-purpose yards and breaking loose for a big touchdown run.
Harvey’s been a revelation this season. With 11 total touchdowns, he leads all rookie skill-position players-an impressive feat for a second-round pick who’s quickly become a staple of the offense. His ability to impact the game on the ground and through the air gives Denver a dynamic weapon who can shift momentum in an instant.
But beating the Chiefs means winning in the trenches, and Kansas City’s run defense isn’t exactly generous. They rank in the Top 10 across most major run-stopping categories, so Harvey will need help up front.
The offensive line has to create running lanes and give him the space to get to the second level. If they can do that, Harvey has the burst and vision to make Kansas City pay.
Late-season football is all about controlling the clock, setting the tempo, and wearing down defenses. Harvey has the tools to help Denver do just that. If he gets rolling early, he could be the engine that powers a critical road win on Christmas Day.
Nik Bonitto - Edge Rusher
“Big-time players make big plays in big games.” That old Mike Shanahan quote still rings true in Denver, and it applies perfectly to Nik Bonitto right now.
The fourth-year edge rusher has emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers this season, and the Broncos are going to need him at full throttle against Kansas City. With backup quarterback Chris Oladokun expected to start, Denver’s defense has a golden opportunity to dictate the game-if they can bring the heat.
Bonitto enters Week 17 with 12.5 sacks, ranking in the Top 10 league-wide. He came out of the gates hot this season with multiple multi-sack games, but his production has slowed a bit since Week 7, tallying just 4.5 sacks since that comeback win over the Giants. Still, his explosiveness off the edge and ability to disrupt the pocket make him a game-wrecker when he’s on.
The Chiefs will likely try to neutralize the Broncos’ pass rush with quick throws and misdirection, but Bonitto’s speed and instincts give him a shot to blow up those plays before they develop. He was vocal about his disappointment after last week’s loss and made it clear he expects more from himself in this one.
If he delivers, it could be the kind of performance that swings the game-and the division race-with it.
Courtland Sutton - Wide Receiver
When the pressure’s on, you lean on your veterans-and Courtland Sutton has been that steady presence all year long for Denver. As the regular season winds down, his consistency and toughness are going to be crucial in a game where every possession matters.
Sutton has been on a tear lately. Over the past four games, he’s averaged more than five catches and 60 yards per contest.
In just the last two weeks, he’s totaled 13 receptions for 199 yards and two touchdowns. That’s the kind of production you want from your WR1 when playoff seeding is on the line.
The Chiefs’ defense is a bit of a paradox. They’ve been stingy when it comes to yards and touchdowns allowed through the air, ranking in the Top 10. But they’re also giving up a 68% completion rate and a 94.0 opposing QB rating-numbers that suggest there are windows to exploit, especially for a trusted target like Sutton.
The chemistry between Bo Nix and Sutton has only gotten stronger as the season’s gone on. That connection will be tested against a disciplined Kansas City secondary, but if Sutton can come down with a few contested catches and move the chains in key moments, it could be the edge Denver needs.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just another game-it’s a defining moment for a Broncos team trying to prove it belongs among the AFC’s elite. With the division still within reach and the top seed in play, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
RJ Harvey’s versatility, Nik Bonitto’s pass-rushing firepower, and Courtland Sutton’s veteran leadership all need to be on full display if Denver is going to walk out of Arrowhead with a win. The path to victory won’t be easy, but if these three play to their potential, the Broncos just might deliver the best kind of Christmas gift for their fans: a win that keeps their Super Bowl dreams alive.