Chiefs vs. Broncos: A Christmas Clash with Unfamiliar Stakes at Arrowhead
There’s no sugarcoating it - this isn’t the kind of Christmas night game Chiefs fans had circled back in September. With Kansas City officially set to move across state lines in the near future, the franchise’s final home game of 2025 at Arrowhead Stadium carries a weight of its own.
But the on-field product? That’s a whole different story.
The Chiefs limp into Week 17 at 6-9 after a tough 26-9 loss to the Titans, and they’ll face a surging Denver Broncos team that’s already locked in a playoff berth and chasing the AFC’s top seed. Denver’s 34-20 loss to Jacksonville last week snapped an 11-game win streak, but they’re still sitting at 12-3 and in full control of their postseason destiny - at least for now.
Kickoff Details:
- When: 7:15 p.m.
CT, Christmas night
- Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
- Watch: Amazon Prime (Channel 41 in Kansas City)
- Listen: KFNZ 96.5 FM (Kansas City), KNSS 98.7 FM (Wichita)
- Line: Broncos -12.5
A Chiefs Offense in Flux
Kansas City’s quarterback room has been turned completely upside down. Patrick Mahomes is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Gardner Minshew - brought in as a veteran safety net - went down early against Tennessee with a knee injury. That leaves Chris Oladokun, a 2022 seventh-round pick, next in line to take the reins.
Oladokun’s been around the team for four seasons, mostly in a developmental role, but now he’s in line for his first career start - and it just so happens to come under the bright lights on Christmas Day.
“It’s Christmas Day,” Oladokun said after stepping in against the Titans. “The possibility of me making a first start on Christmas Day is pretty special. I have family in town and stuff like that, so I’m looking forward to it.”
It’s a feel-good story, no doubt. But he’ll be facing a Denver defense that’s anything but generous.
The Broncos lead the league with 63 sacks and rank fifth overall in total defense. That’s not exactly the kind of unit you want to see when you’re making your debut behind a banged-up offensive line.
And speaking of injuries - the Chiefs are hurting in key spots. Rashee Rice, one of the few bright spots in the receiving corps this season, missed the Titans game with a concussion.
Tackles Jaylon Moore and Jawaan Taylor were both out as well. On the defensive side, Kansas City was without cornerback Trent McDuffie, linebacker Leo Chenal, and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
Chenal has since been placed on IR, and as of the team’s latest injury report, Rice, McDuffie, and cornerback Jaylen Watson likely wouldn’t have practiced.
That’s a lot of talent on the shelf for a team already out of playoff contention.
Denver’s Playoff Push
For the Broncos, this isn’t just about beating a division rival - it’s about solidifying their spot atop the AFC. Bo Nix has been steady in his rookie campaign, leading an offense that ranks 13th in scoring (24.1 points per game).
But the real weapon is Courtland Sutton. The veteran wideout leads Denver in receptions (69), yards (972), and touchdowns (7), and with McDuffie and Watson both questionable, Sutton could be in line for a big night.
Denver still hasn’t clinched the AFC West, thanks to the Chargers keeping pace, and a loss here could drop them from the No. 1 seed all the way to a Wild Card road game. So while the Broncos are already playoff-bound, they’re still playing with urgency.
A Glimpse at the Future?
With Kansas City eliminated from postseason contention and riddled with injuries, there’s been growing interest in seeing more of the team’s younger talent. Rookie linebacker Jeff Bassa, wide receiver Jalen Royals, and running back Brashard Smith have all flashed potential, but they didn’t see much action in the loss to Tennessee.
With nothing on the line except pride - and perhaps a glimpse into what 2026 might look like - Thursday night could be the perfect opportunity to give those rookies meaningful snaps. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest: this isn’t the Christmas night game anyone in Kansas City dreamed of. The Chiefs are down to their third-string quarterback, missing key starters on both sides of the ball, and facing a Broncos team that’s playing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
But football is funny like that. Sometimes, the most unexpected matchups deliver the most memorable moments. And for Chris Oladokun, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make his first NFL start on one of the league’s biggest stages.
It might take a Christmas miracle for the Chiefs to pull off the upset - but in the NFL, stranger things have happened.