Three things to watch
Paxton’s progress. In the 32nd game since he was drafted by the Broncos in 2016, quarterback will make just his fourth start Sunday. Injuries have kept Lynch off the field in what could have been an extended audition during a lost 2017 season. Instead, he has to settle for this final game against the Chiefs to prove he should be part of the Broncos’ search for their full-time quarterback in 2018. How will the 23-year-old quarterback, who was underwhelming in his only other start this season before suffering an ankle injury, answer the bell this time?
Milestone watch. Consecutive strong rushing performances have left Denver running back only 54 yards short of reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his five-year career. He’s not the only one hoping to turn an otherwise meaningless game into a chase for numbers. Wide receiver needs 108 yards receiving to cross the 1,000-yard mark for the sixth straight season, but his receiving average in the previous three games started by Lynch over the past two seasons is 42.7 yards.
Mahomes mania. Chiefs fans liked what they saw out of first-round rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the preseason. Now, the former Texas Tech standout will get his first opportunity to display his talents in the regular season, albeit in a game without much on the line. Broncos coach said the team has studied a tape of Mahomes’ performances during the preseason, but he doesn’t expect Kansas City’s scheme to change much in Week 17 under a new quarterback.
Game Plan
When the Broncos run. The Broncos are 5-0 this season when they run more than they pass and 0-10 when they don’t. The pursuit of 1,000 yards for Anderson is one more reason to expect a ground-heavy approach from Denver, particularly to take some of the pressure off Lynch at quarterback. The Broncos rushed for 177 yards in a 29-19 loss at Kansas City on Oct. 30 and have averaged 185 yards on the ground in their last two games. Edge: Broncos.
When the Broncos pass. Lynch turned in a forgettable performance during his first start of 2017. He completed 9-of-14 passes for only 41 yards and one interception in less than three quarters against the Raiders on Nov. 26. An inability to get the ball down the field has been an issue for Lynch going back to the preseason. He also absorbed four sacks at Oakland. Expect Lynch to lean on Thomas with the status of fellow wide receivers and in doubt. Edge: Chiefs.
When the Chiefs run. The Broncos held Kansas City’s star RB Kareem Hunt, who is second in the NFL in rushing with 1,292 yards, to 46 yards on 22 carries in the first meeting between these teams this season. It’s unlikely Hunt will see a heavy workload Sunday. After Hunt and quarterback (355 yards), is Kansas City’s next leading rusher at 72 yards. Denver’s rushing defense ranks third in the NFL with 88 yards allowed per game. Edge: Broncos.
When the Chiefs pass. The Broncos will be the first team to oppose Mahomes in a regular-season game. The rookie the Chiefs traded up to draft 10th overall stands out with a powerful right arm, Joseph said. Mahomes showed a willingness to go deep often during the preseason. He also did not throw an interception in 54 preseason pass attempts. Like Smith, Mahomes has the ability to make plays with his legs. He had 44 yards on eight carries in the preseason. Edge: Broncos.
Special teams. The Broncos have simply failed to string together clean games on special teams. They seemed to have confusion on kickoff return plays against the Redskins last week, a perplexing problem this late in the season. has solidified the punt return issue that permeated while rookie Isaiah McKenzie was filling the role, but other special teams miscues for the Broncos have continued to sprout. Edge: Chiefs.
