The Mile High Report staff give their score predictions for the Week 18 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
It seems like every week the Denver Broncos are playing in the biggest game in years and this week is no different except its a bigger game than all the others. If they beat the Kansas City Chiefs, then they get their first playoff berth in nine years. Lose and they likely done. Lose at home against the Chiefs backups would also be insanely embarrassing. Hopefully they avoid that.
Game Overview
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:25 P.M. Mile High time
Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado
ATS Betting Lines: Denver -10.5
Moneyline Odds: Denver -560 / Kansas City +420
Over/Under: 39.5
Note: All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Collectively, our Mile High Report staff is predicting a Broncos 30-15 home win over the Chiefs in Week 18 to secure their first playoff appearance in a very long time. We all predicted wins, but here is where we each landed individually on the score:
Broncos 27, Chiefs 20
I think the score ends up being closer than it appears here, but Denver comes out with their first playoff berth in nine season. Broncos Country rejoices and, hopefully, throws down some shock and awe in the first round next week. – Tim Lynch
Broncos 33, Chiefs 13
The Broncos will get one last shot at the playoffs, and it should be the easiest. A resting Chiefs team with nothing to play for. A motivated Denver with it all on the line, in the gorgeous game throwbacks. While Andy Reid will be trotting out the B team, these are professionals with a chance to put something on tape. They are playing for future opportunities. That is where the Broncos could run into some trouble. Still, I don’t believe Sean Payton’s team will drop the ball on this one. The offense should be able to put points on the board. The defense should be able to get back to the way they played through the first 2/3 of the season. They already outplayed the Chiefs once this year. They will do it again. – Adam Malnati
Broncos 34, Chiefs 17
It’s now or never for the Broncos, and that can be a challenge to many. But for the quality of players they have and the coaching they have, they’ll be ready for this. It’s time for the offensive line to keep the ball moving and staying on schedule with the run game. They’ll be able to handle the front four the Chiefs will play, just like they did in the first match up. They’ll keep going with a steady dose of Inside Zone variations with McLaughlin and they’ll run the Inside Trap with Estime for nice gains. Time for Bo Nix to lead Denver to its first playoff birth in eight years. – Ross Allen
Broncos 27, Chiefs 9
During OT of last week’s game in Cincy, I surpassed my record number of heart attacks in one game. My heart needs a break. The Broncos defense with some help from Bo Nix and the running game are going to give me that break. Play a solid, clean game and the Broncos have a date next weekend in Buffalo. – Jonathan Rice
Broncos 27, Chiefs 20
Win and they are in. That’s all that matters. The Broncos must take care of business this Sunday after falling short in crucial games the past two weeks. I’m optimistic that Denver can pull this one out, but I’m still nervous as well. Hopefully they stay committed to the running game and the defense gets off the field on third down. If they do that, they should win. – Chris Hart
Broncos 31, Chiefs 13
All that matters is Sunday. The last two games don’t matter, especially when the Broncos defeat Kansas City and get into the AFC Playoffs for the first time in eight years. Nix and Denver take advantage of the Chiefs resting their starters and leave no doubt in this one. The Broncos know what’s in front of them, and they do what they need to make it happen. What will make this victory even sweeter is doing it in the throwback “D” jerseys. – Ian St. Clair