KC Chiefs vs. Broncos: Week 18 predictions for AFC West showdown

At this point, is there anyone in Chiefs Kingdom who is not going to predict a win over the Denver Broncos?

The Chiefs literally have not lost in a half-decade to the Broncos and it seems odd to think that now is the time when an injured Drew Lock is the quarterback and an out-the-outs Vic Fangio is calling plays. Then again, that sort of underdog, nothing-to-lose status may be just what the Broncos need to make this interesting for K.C.

For the Chiefs, this is an important road game to secure, at the very least, the No. 2 seed and some postseason home-field advantage at Arrowhead. It’s also vital to keep pressure on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in their game against the Houston Texans in order to secure the top seed in the AFC.

Our writers have made their predictions, so let’s look at the picks for this week.

Max Cashio

The Chiefs are going to use this Broncos game as an opportunity to flex their muscles one more time in the regular season and make sure they do everything they can to control their (likely) destiny of being the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs. The Broncos won’t roll over by any means, but that doesn’t mean it will be close. Chiefs 35, Broncos 10

Matt Conner

The Chiefs used up the last little bit of margin they had after clawing back for eight games. It’s hard to imagine them slipping against a clearly inferior opponent with such a disparity at quarterback. Chiefs 35, Broncos 13

Alex Givens

What we will see out of Denver Saturday is a solid, all-around showing by the Chiefs as they lock up the second seed (and hope..) for the 1st spot going into the playoffs.  C’mon Texans!  Since the last matchup, the offense has not put up less than 31 points and the defense has been relatively lights-out.  I expect Mahomes & Co. to throw it around a bit more this go-around, all while gaining a bit more rhythm into the playoffs.  Should be a good one for Chiefs fans to close out the regular season.  Chiefs 35, Broncos 10

Lyle Graversen

The Broncos are beat up with nothing to play for. I think the Chiefs will jump out to an early lead in this one and then coast through the second half. With the playoff bye likely gone, hopefully, they can rest their stars in the 4th half (or longer). Chiefs 27, Broncos 10

Scott Loring

With nothing to gain but a better draft pick, and nothing to lose but dignity, the Broncos will fall flat on their face. The Chiefs got their pre-playoffs wake-up call in Cincinnati, and the Broncos are just in the way. Derrick Gore breaks out in a big way as the Chiefs steamroll their division rival. Chiefs 30, Broncos 6

Ellen Mathis

The Chiefs need this win, especially given the implications to seeding if the Texans pull off the upset. The Broncos are absolutely decimated with injury and are playing for their dignity at this point? Ultimately, the Chiefs will jump out to a big lead resulting in a lot of the starters sitting in the second half. Chiefs 35, Broncos 10

Greg Morse

The Chiefs take an easy win over the Broncos, making it 13 straight wins over their divisional foe. Then it’s all eyes glued to the Titans-Texans game. Chiefs 31, Broncos 10

KC Proctor

Five sacks for KC. Drew lock will cement him as a career backup, and Javonte Williams emerges as the feature back of the future for the Broncos. Chiefs offense carries momentum from last Sunday, overwhelming Denver and reassuring its potential. Chiefs 31, Broncos 17

Hunter Stanton

The last time these two faced off, the Chiefs’ defense made quick work of them. They’ll do so again. They are nothing like the Bengals, and the Chiefs will notch their 13th straight win against them. Chiefs 30, Broncos 10

Grant Tuttle

In what is likely the last game of the Vic Fangio era in Denver. I expect the Chiefs to do what they have done to the Broncos since Barack Obama was president: beat up on them. After a heartbreaking loss last week, look for Mahomes to come out swinging and make defenders look silly. I would also say that Drew Lock will turn the ball over at least twice. Chiefs 31, Broncos 17