Broncos Face Must-Win Matchup vs. Shorthanded Chiefs - With Key Players Under the Spotlight
As the Denver Broncos gear up for their Christmas Day clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Coming off a gut-punch loss to the Jaguars, Denver’s once-promising win streak is now a memory, and their cushion in the AFC playoff race has all but evaporated. With the margin for error gone, the Broncos are staring down a must-win scenario - and the opponent, while wounded, is still dangerous.
Yes, the Chiefs are limping into this one. They’ve lost Patrick Mahomes for the season - and potentially beyond - and their backup, Gardner Minshew, is also sidelined.
That leaves Kansas City turning to their third-string quarterback in a game that, on paper, doesn’t carry postseason implications for them. But that’s precisely what makes this so dangerous for Denver.
This is uncharted territory. For the first time in years, the Chiefs are playing a late-season game against the Broncos with nothing to gain - except the satisfaction of playing spoiler.
And make no mistake, that’s a role Kansas City could embrace with relish. After years of dominance over Denver, the Chiefs would love nothing more than to derail their rival’s postseason hopes on national television.
If the Broncos want to avoid a Christmas night collapse that could ripple through the organization well beyond this season, they’ll need big-time performances from their leaders. Here are three figures in Denver who are under the most pressure heading into this pivotal matchup:
3. Bo Nix: The Rookie QB Needs to Keep His Foot on the Gas
Bo Nix has been trending in the right direction. After a rocky start to his rookie campaign, the young quarterback has found a rhythm - and his arm was a key reason Denver pulled out a win over the Packers not long ago.
Even in the loss to Jacksonville, Nix wasn’t the problem. He kept the Broncos competitive into the third quarter, showing poise and playmaking ability under pressure.
But now comes a different kind of test.
The Chiefs may be down to their third-string quarterback, but their defense is still very much intact - and still very capable of wrecking a game. Nix can’t afford to take a step back.
Not with the playoffs on the line. He’ll need to be sharp, decisive, and aggressive against a Kansas City defense that thrives on creating chaos.
This is the kind of game where a young quarterback can either cement his status as the guy or leave the door open to offseason questions.
2. Nik Bonitto: Time to Back Up the Talk
After the loss to the Jaguars, Nik Bonitto didn’t deflect. He owned up to the Broncos’ defensive letdown, taking responsibility for a pass rush that disappeared in the second half. That’s the kind of accountability you want from a young leader - but now it’s time to respond on the field.
Bonitto’s been a bright spot this season, but back-to-back quiet performances in December aren’t what you want from a player who just signed a new deal. The Broncos need him to be disruptive.
They need him to set the tone. And with Kansas City rolling out a third-string quarterback, this is the perfect opportunity for Bonitto to remind everyone why Denver invested in him.
If the Broncos’ front seven can’t generate pressure against a depleted Chiefs offense, it’s going to raise real questions - not just about Bonitto, but about the entire defensive identity.
1. Vance Joseph: A Crucial Moment for the Defensive Coordinator
Vance Joseph’s stock was soaring not long ago. His unit had turned a corner, and his name was starting to pop up in head coaching conversations again. But two poor performances at home - capped by a rough outing against Jacksonville - have cooled that momentum in a hurry.
Now, Joseph’s defense faces a Kansas City offense missing its top two quarterbacks and struggling for identity. If the Broncos can’t dominate this matchup, it’s going to be a tough look for a coordinator who’s already on thin ice in some circles.
This isn’t just about scheme - it’s about pride. Joseph’s group needs to come out with urgency, aggression, and execution. Anything less, and the whispers about his future in Denver will get a whole lot louder heading into the offseason.
The Bottom Line
The Broncos are still in the playoff hunt, but the margin for error is gone. They can’t afford another misstep - not with the AFC race tightening by the week.
And while the Chiefs may be down, they’re not out. Rivalry games have a way of rewriting expectations, and Kansas City has every reason to come out swinging.
For Denver, this is about more than just one win. It’s about proving they can handle pressure, beat a team they’re supposed to beat, and keep their postseason hopes alive. It’s also about showing that the core of this team - from the rookie quarterback to the defensive leaders to the coaching staff - can rise to the moment.
Christmas night at Arrowhead may not have the playoff stakes we’re used to seeing in this rivalry, but for the Broncos, it might be the most important game of the season.