The Denver Broncos have their backs solidly against the wall.

They are now 8-6, and in order to have a chance of making the playoffs, they will need to win their final two games.

That isn’t good news, as they’re scheduled to go to Kansas City to face the 10-4 Chiefs on Christmas night.

Denver has now lost four of their past six games, and they look to be limping into what is always a tough place to play.

While the Broncos have actually won five games in a row in Arrowhead Stadium, they are just 20-36 all time when visiting the Chiefs.

So, is there any reason for us to even interrupt our Christmas evening and turn this game on?

Well…yes.

The Broncos have gone to Arrowhead before with big stakes, and have found a way to come home with a big win. And a number of those wins have come due to the contributions of some lesser known players.

Could Denver get a big game from some of their “under the radar” players this coming Sunday?

Here is a look back at a few of the Broncos big wins in Kansas City, thanks to some players who weren’t exactly household names.

Steve Ramsey  — Oct 24, 1976 Broncos 35 Chiefs 26

The Broncos were starting to put things together in 1976. John Ralston had assembled some major talent, and the original Orange Crush was beginning to hit their stride.

Denver was hoping to post its first winning season after starting the year 3-1, but losses to the Houston Oilers and the Oakland Raiders had dropped the Broncos to 3-3. And now they had to head to Kansas City with their backup quarterback.

Starter Charley Johnson sat out and backup Steve Ramsey came on to throw for two touchdowns, and the Broncos would beat the Chiefs 35-26. They’d finish the 1976 season with a 9-5 record, their best in franchise history.

Gerald Willhite — Oct 27, 1985 Broncos 30 Chiefs 10

In 1985, John Elway was beginning to come into his own, but he couldn’t get much going in Week 8 at Kansas City. The Broncos were 5-2, and the Chiefs were just 3-4, but Elway managed only 116 passing yards on 20 attempts.

Still, the Broncos blew out KC, thanks in part to running back Gerald Willhite, who found the endzone twice.

Defensive end Rulon Jones had two sacks, and the Denver defense managed to hold the Chiefs to just 257 total yards at home. Could a strong defense and a hot running back be a key this week? We can only hope.

Greg Kragen — Nov 12, 1989 Broncos 16 Chiefs 13

Another time that the defense had to carry the day.

Elway went just 11 for 22 with 133 yards and threw an interception, and the Denver offense failed to score a single touchdown, as kicker David Treadwell kicked three field goals.

In fact, the Broncos offense had just 213 total yards.

So how could they have possibly beaten the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium?

In the second quarter, the defense sacked Chiefs quarterback Steve Pelluer, and forced a fumble. Defensive lineman Greg Kragen scooped it up, and ran 17 yards to the end zone for the Broncos only touchdown.

Treadwell would nail the game-winning 26-yard field goal with less than a minute to play, and Denver would return home with an improbable win.

Bubby Brister — Nov 16, 1998 Broncos 30 Chiefs 7

The Broncos were rolling in 1998, 9-0 when they entered Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs. Kansas City was just 3-3, but the Broncos would be facing them without starting quarterback John Elway, who would miss the game with bruised ribs.

Veteran backup Bubby Brister would be under center and get the Broncos off to a quick start with a 38-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Brister would finish the game with 180 yards passing, Terrell Davis would rack up 111 yards rushing and Shannon Sharpe would goad Chiefs All Pro linebacker into losing his mind and taking a few poor penalties.

But it was Brister that got it all started, and the Broncos remained undefeated.

Kevin Kasper and Keith Burns  — Oct 20, 2002 Broncos 37 Chiefs 34

The Broncos won a shootout in 2002 in KC, thanks in part to a huge game from quarterback Brian Griese. He went 30 of 50 for 376 yards and two touchdowns. But the Denver special teams made a number of big plays to help seal the victory.

Kevin Kasper returned eight kickoffs for 179 yards and was dangerous every single time he touched the ball. He repeatedly set the Broncos up with solid field position all day. The Broncos would tie the game late and force overtime. The Chiefs won the opening coin toss, but special teams ace Keith Burns blocked a punt in the extra period, and kicker Jason Elam kicked the game-winning field goal.

Getting some help from their special teams could be a big boost for the Broncos this weekend.

Sometimes it takes contributions from some lesser known players to beat a tough team on the road. Let’s hope the Broncos can get some big plays this weekend, and come up with a memorable win this Christmas night.