The Broncos face the Chiefs in Kansas City on Christmas. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture in Week 17.

The 2025 NFL Christmas schedule concludes with a "Thursday Night Football" AFC West battle of teams in a surprising position as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos. The Broncos (12-3) lead the entire AFC and are chasing a top seed and a bye in the NFL playoffs.

The Broncos signed tight end Marcedes Lewis and offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton to the active roster ahead of Thursday Night Football.

Chris Oladokun was serviceable in relief for the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 16's loss to the Titans, but this is a significant jump up in competition against a Denver Broncos defense that should also be motivated to respond after an uncharacteristically poor performance vs. the Jaguars.

Unfortunately, Minshew tore his ACL in Week 16, forcing Chris Oladokun to take over under center. Now, Oladokun and the Chiefs will host the Denver Broncos on Christmas Day. The Chiefs are 12.5-point home dogs versus the Broncos at the best online sportsbooks, while the over/under hovers around 36.5 points.

The Denver Broncos (12-3) are set to go on the road to face the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) in Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 25. Check out NFL.com's preview (and expert game picks) for the Christmas Day showdown in the video below.

The real hit to the gut for Kansas City came with the loss of Patrick Mahomes in Week 15. Kansas City’s starting quarterback is currently on injured reserve dealing with a torn ACL and LCL, which he had surgery on the day after suffering the left knee injury.