On Sunday, two-time Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes and rookie Bo Nix will collide, and The Star’s Vahe Gregorian explores why this contest might offer extra intrigue.

The Chiefs may not have much at stake as a collective team this weekend, but there are still individual stakes and coaches’ jobs at stake for multiple players and coaches in this matchup. Here is an overview of some key statistics from this weekend’s matchup between Kansas City and Oakland:

Devaughn Vele

Devaughn Vele stands out as an unlikely NFL rookie, which makes him even more intriguing. A seventh-round selection from Utah who made waves during Denver camp and quickly made an impression as an impact receiver with impressive ball skills and an unusual one-handed catch that caught many experts’ eye.

Vele has been an integral component of Denver’s success this season, and his recent increase in targets makes him an attractive fantasy addition. A big-bodied receiver with good speed/size balance, Vele also has veteran experience to draw upon when building his route tree and developing highlight catches that could serve as reliable deep targets for Nix and Stidham.

The biggest question regarding his starting career is whether or not he can continue his rise as a starter. While his size and fresh legs give him an edge, he hasn’t established himself as a consistent playmaker yet. While having him on your bench may provide additional help at specific positions, they shouldn’t count on him being reliable contributors at every game.

He’s a solid WR4 who could push for starting consideration if he continues his progression up the depth chart. He boasts an impressive slash line and shows his ability to get open on quick routes quickly – something to watch in 2025; potentially becoming an important piece for the Broncos.

Devaughn Vele has quickly emerged as an invaluable member of Denver Broncos wideout corps since joining as a rookie this past off-season. A former University of Utah star, Vele has shown great potential as a productive starter in NFL. As an immensely competitive athlete who’s shown great ability at training camp. Vele brings needed depth to their receiving corps if he continues to improve his game; should this happen over time he could become an integral member of team for years.

Courtland Sutton

Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos wide receiver and rookie Bo Nix’s go-to target since Week 8, has been incredible this season. Just 154 yards shy of reaching his second 1,000-yard season mark he also remains an effective threat running against opponents such as Kansas City Chiefs on first down runs.

Sutton has returned with renewed confidence after opting out of his team’s offseason program to undergo treatment for an ankle injury and rehab. His play on the field has provided further proof that this approach worked.

The Denver Broncos had a slow start, but eventually took the lead with just over two minutes left in the half. Their defense forced Kansas City into punting on their next drive while their offense scored three times on its next possession – including short passes from Nix to Sutton; 41-yard passes to Sutton; and another short pass from Nix directly back to him!

This was an impressive victory for the Denver Broncos, as they improved to 6-5 and kept themselves alive for AFC West contention. Though a challenging road lies ahead in the remaining five weeks, Denver are in good position if they want to overtake Chargers or Kansas City Chiefs and claim division title.

In this matchup, the defense will need to amplify their efforts in order to stop Chiefs running up the middle and maintain control of the secondary. While this task will prove challenging for Denver’s opponents, they are capable of meeting it head on.

Denver’s star players must step up if they hope to capture a division title against Kansas City, which boasts one of the league’s premier rush defenses and needs more production from their receiving corps.

Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas will likely always be remembered for his game-winning touchdown during overtime of the 2011 playoffs against the Steelers, which took only eight seconds from when he held onto Tim Tebow’s pass in his arms to when he crossed the goalline and sealed one of Denver Broncos most memorable wins. Yet Thomas was much more than this iconic play; he was an exceptional finisher who always made an impactful contribution on his team’s offense.

He possessed an ideal combination of size, speed, and strength that enabled him to excel at the X receiver position. Peyton Manning loved having him as an option on offense and could get open quickly with him using both his body and hands for separation against defenders. Furthermore, he was an outstanding punt returner, being capable of taking inbounds plays from any deep position on any play.

He enjoyed an 18-year NFL career that made him one of the most accomplished wideouts ever seen, catching 724 passes for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns while being recognized with three Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl victories. His name will forever remain engraved in Denver Broncos’ Ring of Honor as will his legacy on the football field.

Shelton was also an incredible teammate. While in Denver, he would spend Saturday mornings visiting cancer-affected children at UCHealth Training Center. Additionally, he loved volunteering his time to youth football programs in his community – often taking his children with him when attending games! Known for being fan-favorite in Denver’s community.

Unfortunately, Demaryius Thomas was once again sidelined this week due to an injury to his hamstring and knee, meaning that he will miss practice on Wednesday and is unlikely to make a comeback for the final two weeks of the season. That will provide more targets for Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder; although it will be hard for them to match DT’s production during 2016.

Demarcus Ware

The Denver Broncos defense was stellar during their Week 18 victory over the Chiefs. Creed Humphrey made his first start of the year and saw significant playing time – and likely will do so against Chargers this weekend as one of their most reliable starters has yet to miss a game this year!

DeMarcus Ware was an NFL linebacker who spent 12 seasons between 2005 and 2016 for both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Drafted 11th overall by Dallas in 2005, Ware spent nine seasons there before rejoining Denver for their Super Bowl 50 championship run in 2016. Ware specialized as an outside linebacker who excelled as a rush linebacker; two times winning Butkus Awards was one of his many honors.

Ware has amassed 654 combined tackles, 138.5 sacks, and three interceptions during his 12-year career, which includes two playoff appearances. Furthermore, Ware was honored with two Pro Bowl selections and twice earned All-Pro first-team recognition.

Ware made his college mark as an outstanding defensive end for Troy Trojans, earning All-Sun Belt recognition and leading his team to win their conference championship in 2001. Additionally, Ware was honored as a first team All-American and was presented the Butkus Award as top defensive player.

Ware has amassed an impressive NFL resume: 157 tackles for loss, 58 sacks and four forced fumbles; along with two fumble recoveries and an interception.

Former Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Barry Richard is on track for induction into the Hall of Fame. He earned two first-team All-Pro selections and two wins of the Associated Press’s Butkus Award; additionally, Richard played both strong-side defensive end positions and two different sides of the line and twice led his NFL division in sacks with 238 total.

The Chiefs entered this game without much to lose; however, there are still issues they must resolve prior to playoff contention. Their win against Denver cemented control of their AFC West destiny while setting up an exciting matchup with New England next week.