In role reversal, Chiefs look to play spoiler vs. Broncos

Late December has arrived and the Kansas City Chiefs are playing out the string while the Denver Broncos are focused on grabbing the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

It is a major change of the script as the Broncos look to protect their AFC West lead when they visit the Chiefs on Thursday for a Christmas night kickoff.

Denver (12-3) holds a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers in the division race and is tied with the New England Patriots for the top record in the conference. The Broncos hold the tiebreaker edge over New England.