2 min read • December 10, 2022
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This AFC West matchup between two teams at opposite ends of the standings features one of the league's best offense against a Top 3 defense.
Kansas City has 11 starters healthy on defense, while the Broncos have the lowest SIC team health score of any team this week.
The Chiefs hold the crown for another week as the healthiest team in the league, based on our SIC score algorithm. While they are down Mecole Hardman and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the offense is not lacking weapons.
Patrick Mahomes picked up a foot bruise in last week’s loss to the Bengals, but did not practice time all week. He could get another wide receiver weapon added to his arsenal this week, as Kadarius Toney is listed as questionable after logging limited practices all week.
If Toney is active, expect him to be eased into the offense because the team doesn’t want to risk another hamstring injury.
On defense, the Chiefs have all 11 starters healthy – a rare feat in Week 14 of the NFL. The Broncos have failed to reach 20 points in four straight contests and will be hard pressed to find success against Kansas City’s healthy defense this week.
Denver’s season has gone off the rails and a significant portion of their result struggles have been due to injury. This week, they will be without No. 1 wide receiver Courtland Sutton and No. 3 wideout K.J. Hamler.
With Tim Patrick gone for the season after his preseason ACL tear, the team will rely on Jerry Jeudy, Kendall Hinton, Jalen Virgil and Brandon Johnson as the remaining healthy pass catchers.
Tight end Greg Dulcich has emerged as a reliable performer in the passing game, but the team has just 8 passing touchdowns on the season. Russell Wilson’s lone game with two or more passing touchdowns came in Week 4 against the Raiders.
On defense, the Broncos could be down nose tackle D.J. Jones along with the already big absences of Ronald Darby, Randy Gregory and Jonas Griffith.
Jones is dealing with a shoulder injury and missed practice on Thursday. He’s listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday.
Despite the offensive struggles, Denver’s defense has been the lone bright spot this season. They rank second in points allowed, third in passing yards allowed and first in passing touchdowns allowed.
That will certainly be put to the test against Mahomes and Co.
Kansas City is favored by 9.5 points on the road against the Broncos and the over/under is 43.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Through Week 13, our staff is 52% on player props and 57% on live bets.
KC -9.5
This season, teams with a 15+ SIC score advantage are 87% against the spread through Week 13.
The Chiefs should have no trouble covering the points against Denver.
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