Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

The AFC West will be decided on Sunday when the Kansas City Chiefs travel to the Rockies to take on the Denver Broncos. 

The Chiefs were eliminated from playoff contention a week ago when they fell to the Raiders in overtime. Despite losing each of their last two games, the Broncos control their own destiny to the AFC West crown. 

If they win, Denver will lock up the No. 4 seed and host either the Baltimore Ravens or Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round. If the Raiders lose, the Broncos will also lock up the spot. This game will be played at the same time as the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders game. 

The Chiefs and Broncos met in Week 13 in Kansas City. The Broncos won that game 17-10. 

The back story in this game is that Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback for the Chiefs. Orton was the Broncos' starting quarterback from 2009 through Week 5 of the 2011 season. He was then benched and eventually waived.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Denver, Colorado.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, at 4:15 p.m. EST 

Watch: CBS

Spread

Broncos (-3.5), according to Bodava. 

It's dangerous to predict the Broncos to win and cover at any time. That's certainly not a massive number, but Denver plays close games. 

Having said that, I like the Broncos to come back and earn a playoff spot. With a number that small, you have to predict a cover if you're predicting a win. 

Over/Under

37, according to Bodava. 

That's a small number, but when these two teams met before, they were under and under by a ways. We can expect similar things here. Take the under in this one. 

Key Injuries

Per USA Today

Chiefs RB Jackie Battle is doubtful.

Chiefs S Jon McGraw is questionable.

Broncos S Brian Dawkins is doubtful.

Fantasy Big Plays

Tim Tebow is a good fantasy play. Even at his worst, he does run for a lot of yards and normally finds the end zone. Rushing points tend to count more than passing. Don't let his non-classic skill set keep you from activating him. 

Demaryius Thomas is a solid player. His numbers have picked up in recent weeks, even in the Broncos' losses.

Dexter McCluster is too versatile to be kept down. He can run it, he can pass it and he's a good weapon in leagues that count return yards.

Keys to Chiefs Win

Make Tim Tebow throw. It's not original, but it is the way to beat the Broncos. Keep Denver in third-and-long scenarios, and Tebow's value is minimized. If they're picking up four yards on first down, and another four on second, it's going to be a tough day on the defense.

Keys to Broncos Win

Similarly, put the Chiefs in spots where they have to throw. Kyle Orton may have a nice skill set for a quarterback, but his career win-loss record is terrible. There's a reason for that. He makes mistakes and throws interceptions. 

With Battle listed as doubtful, Kansas City's running attack should be minimal. Denver needs to be sure that's the case.

Prediction: Broncos 20, Chiefs 13

We're going to get a game similar to the first one. These offenses will not do an awful lot, at least in terms of points. 

Tim Tebow was kept in check in "Tebow Time" in each of the last two games because the Broncos were too far down. His running ability was negated, so the Patriots and Bills prepared for the pass. The Chiefs won't be that far ahead. 

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