The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s game between the Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High:

Paul Klee’s pick: Chiefs 23, Broncos 13

Get well soon, J.K. Dobbins, whose comeback story was starting to grow on Broncos Country. But weren’t the Broncos playing with fire when they leaned into often-injured free agents Dre Greenlaw, who promptly missed six games with an injury, and Dobbins, who’s likely out for the season with an injury?

Overall record: 7-3

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Chiefs 23, Broncos 20

The injuries catch up with the Broncos as Denver drops a close one at home. Kansas City puts itself right back in the AFC West discussion as Denver struggles on offense once again. There will be more questions about the Broncos heading into the bye week.

Overall record: 7-3

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Chiefs 23, Broncos 20

What a difference a year makes. The Chiefs went a staggering 12-0 last season in one-score games, including the playoffs. They’re 0-4 so far this year. But one thinks that’s not going to continue with an Andy Reid coached team against a Broncos bunch that has injury issues.

Overall record: 8-2

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Chiefs 20, Broncos 19

Overall record: 7-3

On any given Sunday, if Chiefs have their A-game, nobody in league can beat them. Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, however, seems to have figured out a way to make K.C. quarterback Patrick Mahomes look human. So I’m confident the Broncos can keep this game low-scoring and tight. But at crunch time, I’ve got to take Mahomes over Bo Nix.

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Chiefs 20, Broncos 13

Overall record: 7-3

The Broncos haven’t passed the eye test lately despite seven wins in a row. Kansas City will provide a reality check that Denver is not ready to enter the conversation among AFC heavyweights. The loss of running back J.K. Dobbins will only further expose problems on offense. The Broncos can’t rely on their defense to win every week.