Chiefs vs Broncos Odds, Betting Lines, Picks, and Predictions

• The Kansas City Chiefs are massive 11.5-point road favorites over the Denver Broncos in a Week 18 NFL game slated for Saturday, January 8
• A win by the Chiefs, coupled with a loss by the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, would give KC the #1 seed in the AFC
• Kansas City is 12-0 straight up in the last 12 games against Denver

When the Kansas City Chiefs are in desperate need of a victory, there’s no team they enjoy seeing more on the other side of the line of scrimmage than the Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs are 12-0 straight up in their last 12 games against the Broncos. They’ve not lost a game to the Broncos since 2015 and haven’t suffered a setback in Denver since 2014.

As Kansas City arrives in Denver to close out the 2021-22 NFL regular season, a KC win, coupled with a Tennessee Titans loss Sunday to the Houston Texans, would give the Chiefs the #1 seeding in the AFC for the third successive season.

Oddsmakers are counting on KC completing the first part of this equation. The Chiefs are whopping 11.5-road favorites over Denver. The Broncos are 1-0 against the spread as a home underdog this season.

Chiefs vs Broncos Odds

Odds as of January 7th at FanDuel

Kickoff for Saturday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High is set for 4:30 pm ET. The Denver weather forecast is calling for cloudy skies, 2 mph wind and a temperature of 39 degrees. ABC/ESPN will be carrying the broadcast.

Chiefs vs Broncos Line Movement

Considering KC’s rate of success against Denver, it’s not at all surprising that the public is on board strongly in support of the Chiefs in the NFL betting trends. In spread betting, 90% of handle and 81% of bets are with KC. That’s seen the line lengthen on this game from KC 9.5 to Chiefs -11.5.

#TBT to our first Broncos matchup earlier this season ⏮ pic.twitter.com/keMiLDek4E

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 6, 2022

The wagering is equally overwhelming in KC’s favor in moneyline wagering as well. There’s 92% of handle and 90% of bets supporting the Chiefs.

In terms of the total, the over on the 45.5 point number is drawing the action. It’s getting 65% of handle and 75% of bets.

KC Defense Exposed

During their eight-game winning streak, the Chiefs’ defense was dominating. They held seven of eight opponents to 17 points or less.

However, it might all be a mirage. KC was the NFL’s worst defensive unit prior to that eight-game stretch.

In the games against Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert, the Chiefs have allowed 33 PPG.

In the other 11 games this year, the Chiefs are allowing 16 PPG.

— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) January 4, 2022

Last week against Cincinnati, the Chiefs D was torched for 34 points and 446 yards through the air by Bengals QB Joe Burrow.

Overall, the Kansas City defense ranks 26th in the NFL. The Chiefs are allowing 369.3 yards per game.

Chiefs vs Broncos Injury Report

Kansas City is going into Week 18 with a relatively short injury list. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is the only starter who is out of the lineup for this game. Backup right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) is also out.

Chiefs injury statuses for Saturday at Broncos:

OUT
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder)
OL Lucas Niang (knee)

Everyone else is good to go and will be available.#ChiefsKingdom #FPC #NFL #KCvsDEN

— Full Press Chiefs (@FPC_Chiefs) January 6, 2022

The Broncos will be missing both starting cornerbacks, which must be music to the ears of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Both right corner Patrick Surtain II (calf) and left corner Ronald Darby (shoulder) are out. Left defensive end Shelby Harris (illness/ankle) is questionable. On offense, fullback Andrew Beck (elbow) is on injured reserve.

Chiefs vs Broncos Betting Trends

Last week’s 34-31 loss to the AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals halted Kansas City’s winning streak. Denver has lost three in a row and four of the last six games.

The Chiefs are 6-1 ATS in their past seven games. KC is 10-2 ATS over the past 12 games against Denver. That includes a 7-0 ATS slate for the Chiefs in their last seven games at Denver.

Chiefs at Broncos has been flexed to Saturday at 4:30 PM ET on ABC and ESPN.

— Broncos Today (@broncos_today) January 3, 2022

The Broncos are 1-4 ATS in the past five games. They are 1-8 ATS in their last nine games when facing AFC opposition.

Denver is 4-4 ATS at home this season. KC is 4-3 ATS on the road.

Chiefs vs Broncos Prediction

Kansas City has something to play for. Denver does not. It’s really as simple as that.

#Chiefs have won 12 straight against the Denver Broncos dating back to November 15, 2015

— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladdtv) January 4, 2022

Over the past five meetings between these two teams, the Chiefs have limited the Broncos to an average of 10 points per game.

Pick: Kansas City Chiefs -11.5 (-110)