Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) vs. Denver Broncos (7-9)
January 8, 2022 4:30 pm EDT
The Line: Denver Broncos +10 ; Over/Under: 44.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs clash Saturday afternoon in week 18 NFL action from Empower Field at Mile High. Kansas City is 11-5 so far. the Chiefs lost to the Bengals in their last game. As for the Broncos, they’re sitting at 7-9 and fresh off a loss to the Chargers. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Kansas City lost four of their first seven games this year, but got back to form around the midseason point. The Chiefs hit a win streak over the Giants, Packers, Raiders, Cowboys, Broncos, Raiders, Chargers and Steelers before their latest loss to the Bengals.
In the matchup versos Cincinnati last weekend, the Chiefs had a 28-17 edge at halftime. KC was outscored 17-3 from there in a 34-31 defeat. QB Patrick Mahomes finished with 259 yards and two scores, while Darrel Williams rushed for 88 yards and two TDs of his own.
Over on the Denver side, they managed to go 6-5 over their first 11 games culminating in a win over the Chargers at the end of November. Denver is just 1-4 since then with losses to the Chiefs, Bengals, Raiders and Chargers.
Matched up against the Chargers last weekend, the Broncos could only find three points in the first three quarters. Ultimately Denver fell 34-13 in a blowout. QB Drew Locke put up 245 yards and a score, while Noah Fant led the receivers on six catches for 92 yards and a TD.
The Chiefs are 5-0 ATS in their last five on grass and 4-0 ATS in the last four versus the AFC West. KC is 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
Meanwhile, the Broncos are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five in January and 3-8 ATS in their last 11 on grass. Denver is 2-6 ATS versus a team with a winning record.
PICK: I’m going to stay with the Chiefs. Kansas City is coming off a bad second half in their last outing versus the Bengals, but the last time they played the Broncos things went well for KC. The Chiefs did get out-gained 404-267 on offense but were helped by three Denver turnovers and a tepid 4-of-14 rate on third-down tries from the Broncos. It wasn’t the prettiest win ever, but it worked. I think Kansas City will have an easier time of things here; the cover should be theirs to take.
