Broncos

Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is gearing up for the challenge against Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

“He’s incredibly talented,” Surtain stated via Around The NFL. “A significant portion of his yardage comes after the catch. He possesses remarkable strength after the catch and showcases solid hands. The key will be to manage what happens in the second act and ensure we rally to the ball when he’s in play.”

In their previous encounter, Chase was held to just one catch for three yards against Surtain and the Broncos.

“That was early in my career—my rookie year? Yes, it was a great game,” Surtain recalled. “They had a high-powered offense, and we knew it was essential to mitigate their explosive plays and neutralize their primary threat. Ja’Marr is a fantastic player—arguably the best receiver in the league. Their offensive play is formidable, making this a significant challenge. We aim to replicate our success from that game.”

Chiefs

After facing short weeks in their last two matchups, the Chiefs secured victories against the Texans (27-19) and the Steelers (29-10) during Week 16 and on Christmas, respectively. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes believes these outcomes reflect their “toughness”, emphasizing that clinching the AFC’s No. 1 seed felt akin to a “playoff game.”

“It showcased the team’s resilience, and I believe we improved as the games progressed,” Mahomes commented via PFT. “Our guys are both mentally and physically tough, and we’ve matched up against some great football teams in hard-fought games, finishing with three wins. That No. 1 seed is crucial—it feels like winning a playoff game, and I’m glad we achieved that.”

The Chiefs now have the chance to rest their starters in Week 18 against the Broncos. Mahomes noted that the decision rests with head coach Andy Reid.

“That’s entirely up to Coach,” Mahomes said. “If Coach wants me on the field, I’m ready. If he decides otherwise, I’ll be on the sidelines. I trust Coach Reid’s decision-making completely.”

Raiders

The Raiders ended their 10-game losing streak with a victory over the Jaguars in Week 16, but this win may have impacted their chances for a top draft pick. Las Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce remains unfazed about their draft position and reiterated the team’s commitment to winning every week, regardless of their record.

“We don’t play to lose,” Pierce emphasized via the team’s social media. “We’re not in this for anyone’s fantasy football teams or draft projections. None of that matters to us. What truly matters is winning, and that’s our sole focus.”