5 Can’t-Miss Week 13 NFL Games with Major Playoff Implications
By Bryce Olin
Denver Broncos (8-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)
What’s at stake:
For the Broncos, this is about the division. I don’t see the Broncos losing two more games, if they can win this game, which would mean that Denver would lock up home field for at least one game.
For the Chiefs, this also for the division, but in a slightly different way. The Chiefs might win the game but lose the division race, because they’re a game back right now. I still think the Chiefs will make the playoffs, even if they lose this game. I foresee them going 3-1 down the stretch, which would put them at 10-6, a record definitely good enough to make the playoffs.
Breakdown:
Really good offense vs. Really good defense
It’s the same thing against the Chiefs every week: can they muster enough offense to win the game?
In the past, they have come close, but could punch the ball in from one-yard line (literally) to steal a game against Denver.
With the Broncos still banged up, so this might be the Chiefs’ best shot to finish the deal and make a run at the division crown.
Without running backs Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball, I think Denver might struggle to run the ball against Kansas City’s solid front seven. If the Broncos can’t run the ball, it’s going to be a field day for Tamba Hali and the rest of Kansas City’s defensive line to take shots at Peyton Manning. If Julius Thomas isn’t out there as another threat in the passing game, Manning might be a sitting duck in the pocket, which is never good, especially on that cold field.
Everything is pointing to a Chiefs’ win, but that’s usually when the Broncos bring out the big guns. We’ll see how it turns out, but it’s going to be a great game.
Prediction:
Kansas City 27 Denver 21
Next: 2. New England vs. Green Bay