The highly anticipated Christmas NFL matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos is set to take place, with the Chiefs holding a record of 6-9 and the Broncos at 12-3. While other Christmas games may be more like Netflix specials, this one promises to be a classic Thursday Night Football showdown.
For fantasy football managers, this game could be the perfect gift or a disappointing lump of coal, depending on their lineup choices. To help guide managers in making the right decisions, Sportskeeda has put together a comprehensive guide to the Chiefs vs. Broncos matchup.
When it comes to start ’em picks for Week 17, it’s wise to trust in the Denver Broncos to come out on top. Key players like RJ Harvey and Courtland Sutton are expected to shine in this game. Sutton is likely to make an early impact, while Harvey could take over in the second half. With Rashee Rice and Patrick Mahomes out, the Broncos defense is poised to capitalize on the Chiefs’ third-string quarterback.
On the Chiefs side, Travis Kelce stands out as a must-start player. As potentially his last game in Kansas City, Kelce could see a high number of targets from Andy Reid, reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s final game where he dominated the scoring.
The must-starts for this game include RJ Harvey, Courtland Sutton, Travis Kelce, the Broncos D/ST, and Bo Nix.
On the flip side, the sit ’em picks for Week 17 should focus on the Kansas City Chiefs players. With Denver expected to dominate, players like Chris Oladokun, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and Kareem Hunt should be avoided. Even the usually reliable kicker Harrison Butker might not see many opportunities in this game.
Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of the Chiefs defense, as they are unlikely to put up significant points. With Oladokun at quarterback, the depth receivers may not see much action, making players like JuJu Smith-Schuster less favorable options.
In terms of injuries, Pat Bryant of the Broncos is still recovering from a concussion and may be a risky start.
The must-sits for this game include Kareem Hunt, Chris Oladokun, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Harrison Butker, the Chiefs D/ST, and Pat Bryant.
Overall, fantasy managers should carefully consider their lineup choices for the Chiefs vs. Broncos matchup to ensure they unwrap the gift of victory rather than a disappointing outcome. With the right picks, they can end the Christmas NFL slate on a high note.
