Chiefs vs Broncos Predictions: KC can cover in Mile-High City

The final week of the NFL regular season is upon us, and here I'm focusing on the Kansas City Chiefs' trip to Denver to take on the Broncos.

With the number one seed already wrapped up in the AFC, the back-ups are expected to suit up for KC, while a win for Denver will see them secure a play-off spot. Read on for my Chiefs vs Broncos prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Frank Crum is expected to miss out for the Broncos due to illness, while Tyler Badie is questionable with a back problem.

Nik Bonitto and Justin Strand are also suffering with respective wrist and heel issues, but neither injury will prevent them from playing on Sunday.

As mentioned above, the Chiefs are expected to rest their stars, meaning that there'll be no Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt or Chris Jones. Isiah Pacheco (rib), Mecole Hardman (knee), Jalen Watson (ankle) and Jawaan Taylor (knee) have been ruled out by head coach Andy Reid.

Chiefs vs Broncos Odds

The Broncos are 2/11 favourites for the game on the moneyline, mainly due to the Chiefs resting their star player, while Kansas City are 4/1 straight-up.  The spread is currently set at 10.5 and it's 10/11 for each side to cover.

Denver are also available at 4/9 in the double result market to be leading at both the half-time and full-time whistles.

Kansas City Chiefs (+10.5) @ 10/11

As expected, the Chiefs will prepare for the post-season by resting their starters for the Week 18 match-up with the Broncos.

The Broncos, on the other hand, have no such luxury and need to win to secure their play-off berth - that’s why they’re so heavily fancied against their AFC West rival.

I do think Denver take the 'W', but I simply can't bet against the Chiefs on such a big spread. Even without Mahomes and co., I don’t love the idea of the Broncos having to beat Kansas City by 11 points to cover. These are the back-ups for an 15-1 football team, after all.

Carson Wentz will be quarterback for Sunday's encounter, and he's barely seen the field during the regular season and will be eager to make an impact. In addition, the Chiefs have been in this position before - 12 months ago, in another game that meant very little in the grand scheme of things, Blaine Gabbert was the starting QB against the Chargers in Week 18 – and the Chiefs got the job done.

As I've alluded to above, Denver take the victory here, but I believe KC make this a slog for them.

Courtland Sutton to score the first touchdown @ 11/2

The Broncos have shown themselves to be a passing team this season, and one of the main beneficiaries has been Courtland Sutton.

Bo Nix has enjoyed an excellent regular-season campaign for Denver, and is one of the reasons the Broncos find themselves with a chance of securing play-off football on Sunday, throwing 3,454 yards and 25 passing touchdowns.

In addition, Sutton has amassed 983 yards for Denver so far this term - and more importantly - seven touchdowns. The Chiefs' defence will be weakened on Sunday, suggesting there could be plenty of opportunities for the 29-year-old to take advantage.

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