Chiefs Lean on Youth, Defense to Hang Tough with Playoff-Hungry Broncos
In a Week 17 matchup that felt more like a preseason audition than a late-season showdown, the Kansas City Chiefs - already out of playoff contention - rolled out a lineup filled with youth and opportunity. With 20 players on injured reserve and nine practice squad call-ups in the last two weeks, Kansas City turned to its depth chart and gave third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun the keys against a Denver Broncos team still fighting for the AFC’s top seed.
First Quarter: Broncos Start Strong, Chiefs Defense Responds
The Broncos opened the game with the ball after Kansas City deferred the coin toss. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix wasted no time getting to work, leaning heavily on fellow rookie running back R.J.
Harvey. Harvey made an early impact with a nine-yard reception followed by a strong run to midfield.
Denver moved methodically, converting a key third-and-2 with another Harvey catch and getting into scoring range with a six-yard run by Jaleel McLaughlin and a strike to wide receiver Troy Franklin.
Nix kept the chains moving with a quarterback sneak on third-and-1, but the Chiefs’ defense stiffened inside the 25. After stuffing Harvey and forcing a couple of short gains, Kansas City held Denver to a 27-yard Will Lutz field goal.
It was a 13-play, eight-minute drive - but only three points to show for it. Broncos up 3-0.
Kansas City’s offense took the field with Brashard Smith returning the kickoff to the 26. Isiah Pacheco got the early touches, grinding out nine yards on two carries.
Kareem Hunt picked up the first down on third-and-1, giving the Chiefs a fresh set of downs. Oladokun’s first pass of the night looked promising - a completion to rookie wideout Xavier Worthy - but Worthy had stepped out of bounds before making the catch.
After an incompletion on third down, punter Matt Araiza pinned Denver deep at their own 11.
The Broncos’ second possession started with a misfire to Marvin Mims, followed by a two-yard loss when Nix was forced out of bounds. On third-and-long, cornerback Kristian Fulton made a huge play, tipping a pass intended for Lil’Jordan Humphrey. The deflection landed in the hands of linebacker Nick Bolton, who came down with the interception - giving Kansas City prime field position at the Denver 35.
The Chiefs leaned on the ground game again with Pacheco and a short pass to Noah Gray. Facing third-and-6, Oladokun found none other than Travis Kelce - and the Arrowhead crowd erupted. It could be Kelce’s final home game, and fans made sure he felt the love on that first reception.
The quarter closed with Oladokun scrambling for four yards and Pacheco adding three more. Kansas City entered the second quarter knocking on the door, facing third-and-3 from the Denver 13.
Second Quarter: Chiefs Take the Lead Behind Rookie QB
Out of the break, Oladokun went right back to Kelce on third down, and the veteran tight end nearly moved the chains but came up just short. No hesitation from the Chiefs - they kept the offense on the field. Kareem Hunt delivered, bulldozing for five yards and setting up first-and-goal at the six.
Oladokun threw the ball away under pressure on first down, and Pacheco was bottled up for just a yard on second. On third down, the young quarterback made a play - finding Brashard Smith in the flat.
Smith broke a tackle and powered into the end zone for his first career touchdown. Harrison Butker’s extra point gave Kansas City a 7-3 lead, and the sideline erupted for the rookie’s moment.
Denver tried to answer quickly. Tyler Badie returned the kickoff to the 35, and Nix hit tight end Evan Ingram for nine yards on the first snap.
Fullback Adam Prentice converted the short-yardage situation, but the drive sputtered from there. A first-down incompletion and a short Harvey run set up third-and-8.
Nix took a shot to Courtland Sutton downfield, but the veteran couldn’t haul it in. Jeremy Crenshaw came on to punt, and Smith - fresh off his touchdown - returned it from the Kansas City seven to the 18.
What We’re Seeing So Far
This may not be the Chiefs team fans are used to seeing in late December, but there’s no shortage of fight. Oladokun, in his first extended action, looked calm and composed, especially on the touchdown drive. The offensive line gave him enough time, and the playmakers - from Pacheco to Smith to Kelce - gave him the support he needed.
Defensively, Kansas City’s young unit is holding its own against a Denver team with everything to play for. The interception by Bolton was a game-changer, and Fulton’s pass breakup was textbook. For a team playing for pride, the Chiefs are showing plenty of it.
And while the Broncos are still in the hunt for that top AFC seed, they’re getting a real test from a Kansas City squad that’s embracing the role of spoiler - and giving its future stars a moment in the spotlight.