🏈 (Updated 6:45 pm ET) TNF: Broncos vs. Chiefs - Prediction, Odds and Start Time

NFL Week 6 Thursday Night Football

THURSDAY, OCT. 12

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the Broncos, they go on the road for a shortened week to play one of the best teams in the NFL.

To say this is going to be a challenge is an understatement.

Across the board, The Chiefs are double-digit favorites and look to extend their winning streak to five games.

But …

So far this season, the ‘sure-thing’ bets haven’t exactly been playing out as planned.

I’m expecting this game to be more exciting than everyone thinks.

Week 6 is about to kickoff. Let’s get it!

1. Thursday Night Football

2. Betting Nuggets

3. Injury Report

4. Inactive List (updated as of 6:45 pm)

5. Week 6 in Review

Broncos (1-4) vs. Chiefs (4-1)

• WHERE: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Mo.)

• WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET | Prime Video, NFL+

• MONEYLINE: Broncos: +460 | Chiefs: -650

• SPREAD: Chiefs -10.5 | O/U: 47.0
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Our Take

The last time Denver beat Kansas City was on a Thursday Night - in 2015, long before Patrick Mahomes and Isiah Pacheco entered the NFL.

Now, Mahomes aims for the Chiefs' 16th consecutive win over the Broncos, holding an 11-0 record against them as a starter. With Travis Kelce's ankle in question and the Chiefs' receivers still finding their rhythm, Coach Andy Reid might rely on Pacheco, who has recent touchdown success.

Conversely, the Broncos are spiraling out of control under Coach Sean Payton, failing to find their footing offensively and defensively.

Once somewhat respectable, their defense nosedived this season, evidenced by conceding 70 points to the Dolphins and over 400 yards to the Jets.

This decline, according to the oddsmakers, spells certain defeat.

Betting Nuggets

• The Chiefs have won 14 straight meetings outright, going 9-5 ATS in that span.

• The Broncos have covered four straight games as a double-digit underdog.

• Since the start of last season, the Chiefs are 6-0 outright and 1-5 ATS in division games.

BRONCOS

• OUT: OLB Frank Clark (illness), DT D.J. Jones (knee), OLB Baron Browning (knee)

• QUESTIONABLE: TE Greg Dulcich (hamstring)

CHIEFS

• QUESTIONABLE: TE Travis Kelce (ankle), DE George Karlaftis (hamstring), P Tommy Townsend (left knee)

Broncos

• D.J. Jones (DT)

• Baron Browning (LB)

• Frank Clark (DE)

Chiefs

• N/A

1. MIA: De'Von Achane out until Week 11
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Miami Dolphins' RB De'Von Achane has been listed on the Reserve/Injured due to a knee issue as of Oct. 11. He’s eligible to return post the team's Week 10 bye.

Our Take: With Achane out until Week 11, the Dolphins will have Raheem Mostert as their main running back. Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed will vie for backup positions, while Chris Brooks emerges as a potential deep league pick.

2. KC: Questionable tag for Travis Kelce
Source: Chiefs.com

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (ankle) had limited practice on Oct. 11 and is questionable for Week 6.

Our Take: Kelce is likely to play Thursday against the Broncos' weak defense, positioning the Chiefs for a favorable Week 6 matchup.

3. MIA: Jeff Wilson Jr. cleared to practice
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques

Miami Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson Jr., sidelined with rib and finger injuries, was marked for return from injured reserve on Oct. 11 and will rejoin team practices.

Our Take: With De'Von Achane sidelined, Jeff Wilson has an opportunity to make an impact. While Raheem Mostert leads the Dolphins' running game, Wilson will challenge Salvon Ahmed for the backup spot. The dynamic backfield promises intriguing fantasy prospects.

4. DEN: Javonte Williams not on injury report
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

Denver Broncos RB Javonte Williams practiced fully on Wednesday, Oct. 11, and is clear to play for Week 6.

Our Take: Williams nearly played against the Jets, but Broncos Coach Sean Payton chose to rest him for the upcoming Thursday game against the Chiefs. While Williams is the lead back, both Perine and McLaughlin will also see action.

5. MIN: Justin Jefferson officially placed on IR
Source: Vikings.com

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was put on injured reserve due to a hamstring issue on Oct. 11.

Our Take: Jefferson will miss at least four weeks due to injury. Given the Vikings' struggling season, he might not play in November unless fully fit. KJ Osborn and rookie Jordan Addison are now the primary receivers, and tight end TJ Hockenson is expected to see increased involvement.

6. IND: Anthony Richardson could still need surgery
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is now projected to miss four to eight weeks.

Our Take: The rookie quarterback, Richardson, may need surgery, and the team intends to take a cautious approach to his injury.

7. IND: Jonathan Taylor to play more
Source: NFL.com

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is set for an increased workload in Week 6, as announced by head coach Shane Steichen on Oct. 11.

Our Take: Last week, despite Taylor's return, it was Zack Moss who shined. In Taylor's 2023 debut, he had a modest performance with six rushes for 18 yards and a 16-yard reception. While Taylor is set to be the main back, Moss's recent form guarantees him a significant role.

8. CLE: Deshaun Watson not practicing
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson didn’t practice on Oct. 11 due to a shoulder issue.

Our Take: If Watson is unavailable, PJ Walker may start for the Browns, potentially impacting the performance of other team members.

9. HOU: Tank Dell not expected to play
Source: Click2Houston.com - Aaron Wilson

Houston Texans WR Tank Dell, dealing with a concussion, is unlikely to play in Week 6, as of Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Our Take: As of now, it seems unlikely that Dell will be available for the upcoming game, but the situation may change later in the week.

10. MIN: Jordan Addison listed as limited
Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan

Vikings WR Jordan Addison was limited in practice on Oct. 11 due to an ankle issue.

Our Take: With Justin Jefferson sidelined, the Vikings' reliance on other receivers, like Addison, becomes crucial. Monitor his progress closely.

11. ARI: Keaontay Ingram listed as starter
Source: AZCardinals.com

On Oct. 11, the Arizona Cardinals' updated depth chart lists Keaontay Ingram as the starting running back, surpassing Emari Demercado.

Our Take: After a hiatus due to a neck injury, Ingram is expected to return and share the backfield with Demercado, with Ingram taking the lead in a committee approach.

12. NE: Mac Jones starting
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Coach Bill Belichick confirmed on Oct. 11 that Mac Jones will be the Patriots' starting QB for Week 6.

Our Take: Despite being the regular starter this season, the team's announcement of Mac Jones as the Week 6 starter highlights his shaky performance. Jones has been underwhelming, and the team has struggled. If benched, Bailey Zappe is the likely replacement, although his recent performance was also uninspiring.

13. CHI: Cole Kmet limited Wednesday
Source: Chicago Bears PR

Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet had limited participation in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 11, due to a hamstring issue.

Our Take: Kmet's limited practice suggests he might play against the Vikings on Sunday. With 12 receptions, 127 yards, and three TDs in his last two games, he's crucial for the Bears, who aim for a second consecutive win in Week 6's divisional clash.

14. NYG: Daniel Jones out of practice
Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

Giants QB Daniel Jones has a sore neck and didn’t practice on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Our Take: Jones is resting ahead of the Giants' Sunday Night clash with the Bills in Week 6. His Friday practice status will provide further clarity.

15. TEN: Treylon Burks not practicing
Source: AtoZ Sports - Sam Phalen

Titans WR Treylon Burks missed Wednesday's practice, as confirmed by head coach Mike Vrabel.

Our Take: Burks is starting to run again after a knee issue, but his Week 6 availability remains uncertain. With Burks potentially out, DeAndre Hopkins is expected to be Ryan Tannehill's primary target.

16. CHI: Roschon Johnson not practicing
Source: Chicago Bears PR

Chicago Bears RB Roschon Johnson missed Wednesday's practice on Oct. 11 due to a concussion.

Our Take: Johnson missed the start of this week's practice after being concussed last Thursday, casting doubt on his Sunday availability against the Vikings. If he's out, D'Onta Foreman will take the lead, offering potential flex value.

17. BAL: Odell Beckham listed as limited
Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Adam Caplan

Odell Beckham Jr. of the Baltimore Ravens was limited in practice on Wednesday, Oct. 11, due to an ankle issue.

Our Take: Beckham is expected to play against the Titans in London on Sunday. However, for fantasy players, he's only advised as a risky flex option for Week 6.

18. CHI: Khalil Herbert a 'DNP' Wednesday
Source: Chicago Bears PR

Bears RB Khalil Herbert (ankle) was absent from practice on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

Our Take: Herbert is anticipated to miss multiple weeks, as reported by Tom Pelissero. With Johnson's status uncertain due to a concussion, D'Onta Foreman might step up as the Bears' starting RB for Week 6.

19. DEN: Greg Dulcich listed as questionable
Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

Broncos TE Greg Dulcich practiced on Wednesday, Oct. 11, yet remains questionable for Week 6 due to a hamstring issue.

Our Take: Dulcich is nearing his comeback, impressing in practice as noted by Cecil Lammey. While he might be held until Week 7, his offensive contribution when active will be significant. If available, consider picking him up from waivers.

20. NYG: Saquon Barkley a limited participant
Source: FOX Sports - Ralph Vacchiano

Giants RB Saquon Barkley was on limited practice on Wednesday, Oct. 11, due to an ankle issue.

Our Take: Barkley's return on Sunday night against the Bills could elevate the Giants' offense. Recovering from a Week 2 high-ankle sprain, he seemed ready last week. His status will be clearer with a full practice on Friday. Keep an eye out.