The Denver Broncos have a golden opportunity that they absolutely cannot squander.
In the Week 18 regular season finale, the Broncos are facing a Kansas City Chiefs team that is dealing with many injuries and is resting multiple key starters. The Chiefs have already ruled out the following players due to injury:
- DT Chris Jones
- RB Isiah Pacheco
- RT Jawaan Taylor
- WR Mecole Hardman (IR)
- CB Jaylen Watson (IR)
Kansas City has also labeled numerous players as doubtful to play due to rest:
- QB Patrick Mahomes
- TE Travis Kelce
- CB Trent McDuffie
- LB Nick Bolton
- S Justin Reid
- LB Drue Tranquill
- DE George Karlaftis
- RB Kareem Hunt
Those are the cream of the crop players from nearly every position group that the Chiefs have. Very rarely does an NFL team get to face an opponent that depleted. Also factoring in that this matchup will be played in Denver, the Broncos have no excuse to let this game slip through their fingers.
Other than an unforeseen meltdown, it's difficult to imagine that the Broncos don't take care of business, especially considering that they almost knocked off the Chiefs back in Week 10 on the road in K.C. As for Denver's injury report, you couldn't ask for a better bill of health, as the only player it has ruled out is backup offensive tackle Frank Crum.
It's possible that rookie running back Tyler Badie is activated from injured reserve and plays in this game after practicing in full throughout the entire week. It would be great to get him some reps and knock some rust off before the postseason. If the Broncos somehow lose to the Chiefs, they will need the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals to each lose their games.
