When the NFL slotted Broncos-Chiefs into the Christmas night spotlight, they were banking on a heavyweight AFC West showdown. What they got instead is one of the most lopsided matchups of the season - at least on paper.
The Chiefs enter this game as 13.5-point underdogs at home, a number that jumps off the page for one reason: it hasn’t happened in over a decade. You have to go all the way back to December 29, 2013, to find the last time Kansas City was this heavily counted out - a 14.5-point underdog against the Chargers.
But there’s a key difference. That 2013 game?
Kansas City had already locked up its playoff spot and was resting starters. Tonight’s situation is a whole different story.
This time, there’s no playoff berth in the bag. In fact, there’s no playoff berth at all.
The Chiefs are 6-9, officially out of postseason contention, and turning to third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun to face a Broncos team that owns the best record in the NFL. That’s not a recipe for optimism - and Vegas clearly agrees.
It’s a stunning fall for a franchise that’s been one of the league’s most consistent contenders in recent years. For Kansas City, this isn’t just about being underdogs - it’s about how far they’ve slipped.
The offense has sputtered, the defense has struggled to hold up, and now they’re down to their third option under center. It’s not just a bad break; it’s been a bad season.
Meanwhile, Denver has surged. They’re not just winning - they’re dominating.
And with the league’s best record, they’re eyeing much more than a division title. They’re playing for home-field advantage, for playoff momentum, and maybe even for a Super Bowl run.
That kind of motivation, combined with Kansas City’s current state, is exactly why this line is so steep.
Still, this is the NFL. Strange things happen.
But make no mistake - this is unfamiliar territory for the Chiefs. Being a double-digit underdog at Arrowhead?
That’s not just rare. That’s historic.
Tonight, Kansas City’s playing for pride. For young players, it’s a chance to show something on a big stage.
For Oladokun, it’s a shot to prove he belongs in the league. And for the Broncos, it’s about taking care of business - and sending a message that they’re not just the best team in the standings, but the one nobody wants to face come January.