The Denver Broncos are headed into Arrowhead Stadium for a Christmas Day clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, but this Week 17 matchup doesn’t carry the usual playoff buzz. Instead, it’s a game between two teams heading in very different directions - one eyeing the postseason, the other already looking ahead to the draft.
For Kansas City, the 2025 season has unraveled in a way no one saw coming. Eliminated from playoff contention back in Week 15, the Chiefs are now without both Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, who are sidelined with knee injuries. That leaves third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun stepping in to start on Thursday night.
Who is Chris Oladokun?
If you're wondering who’ll be under center for the Chiefs on Christmas, meet Chris Oladokun - a name that might not ring many bells outside of Kansas City’s locker room. He’s been around the organization since 2022, bouncing between the practice squad and preseason rosters.
While he hasn’t seen regular-season action, he’s familiar with the system and has shown flashes in exhibition games. Now, he’s the next man up.
Oladokun isn’t expected to light up the scoreboard, but at this point in the season, the Chiefs aren’t exactly chasing wins. With the playoffs off the table, Kansas City is in evaluation mode - and yes, securing a higher draft pick doesn’t hurt either. Thursday’s game is more about staying healthy and getting a look at younger talent than it is about the final score.
Andy Reid’s Future in Kansas City
With the Chiefs falling short of expectations, questions have naturally started swirling about Andy Reid’s future. But let’s be clear: Reid has earned the benefit of the doubt.
After delivering two Super Bowls and turning the Chiefs into a perennial contender, Reid’s seat isn’t hot - nor should it be. Unless he decides to step away on his own terms, it’s hard to imagine Kansas City making a change at the top.
The organization has too much respect for what he’s built.
Any Bright Spots in a Lost Season?
This season’s been a tough pill to swallow for Chiefs fans. The offense never found its rhythm, injuries piled up, and the defense couldn’t carry the load.
But if there’s a silver lining, it’s the opportunity to draft high in the first round - something Kansas City hasn’t had in years. That kind of draft capital can be a game-changer, especially if it’s used to address the offensive line or add another dynamic weapon to the offense.
Despite the struggles, the Chiefs still managed to win six games. There were moments - fleeting as they were - when it felt like they could turn things around. But by Week 15, the door officially closed on any postseason hopes.
Standout Free Agent and Rookie Performers
When it comes to free-agent additions, veteran offensive tackle Jaylon Moore stepped up when rookie Josh Simmons had to take a personal leave earlier in the year. Moore held his own during that stretch, providing some stability up front. Unfortunately, he’s now dealing with an injury of his own and may not be available for Thursday’s game.
As for Simmons, he was the most promising rookie on the roster this year. When he was on the field, he looked the part - strong in pass protection, quick off the snap, and showing the kind of upside that gets coaches excited.
But between his absence and a season-ending injury, his rookie campaign was cut short. The hope is he can bounce back in 2026 and build on what he showed in limited action.
Prediction: Broncos Should Roll
Let’s call it like it is - this game is Denver’s to lose. The Broncos are still in the playoff hunt, and they’re facing a Chiefs team that’s essentially in tank mode. With Oladokun at quarterback and multiple starters sidelined, Kansas City doesn’t have the firepower to keep up.
Expect the Broncos to come out strong, build a comfortable lead, and then rest their starters in the second half. For Denver, it’s about staying healthy and taking care of business. For Kansas City, it’s about seeing what the young guys can do and getting through the night without adding to the injury report.
Final score prediction: Broncos 32, Chiefs 6.
It won’t be the most competitive game of the week, but it’s still football on Christmas - and for fans of both teams, there’s always something worth watching.