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The Kansas City Chiefs' Christmas Day game against the Denver Broncos was Chris Oladokun's first NFL start, and he didn't look out of place.
Yes, the Broncos' defense is formidable, but they only managed one sack on Oladokun, as the young Chiefs quarterback would finish his first NFL start going 13-of-22 for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Denver dominated the stat sheet, but it was "only" a 20-13 win for Sean Payton's team, but a win is all that matters.
But how did the Chiefs feel Chris did in his first start on such a big stage? Veteran tight end Travis Kelce was left impressed.
"I'm proud of him," Kelce said. "Throughout the week, his attention to detail, his professionalism, and his leadership, I couldn't be happier for the guy. Obviously, I wish we could've gotten that win for him, a big game against a rival. I'm proud of the way he led us and kept fighting."
More: Chiefs' Travis Kelce tight-lipped on NFL future
Chris Oladokun auditioning for 2026
While there isn't much to play for in the last week of the NFL season for the Chiefs, the same can't be said for Oladokun.
With Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew both out for the season, and Mahomes potentially the start of 2026 as well, a job opening has presented itself.
Now, we know Patrick is the starter, but Oladokun has the chance to establish himself as Mahomes' backup. Playing well in the Week 18 finale could give the Chiefs' coaching staff something to think about in the offseason.
So, while many are planning their vacations, Oladokun is as locked in as ever in what you could call a 2026 audition for the young quarterback.
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- Chiefs vs. Broncos final score, results: Bo Nix throws game-winning TD as Broncos take down Chiefs on Christmas
- Check out Chiefs' TE Travis Kelce's high school basketball highlights from Cleveland Heights
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