Things are chunky-dory for K.C.

The Broncos saw their postseason hopes move to the edge of extinction in the span of 15 plays last Christmas.

That was all the time it took for the Chiefs to build a 14-0 lead against visiting Denver, an edge built on a handful of chunk plays.

In the first quarter alone, Kansas City had touchdowns of 70 and 80 yards and six total plays of more than 10 yards. Since that Week 16 game last season, the Chiefs have added the NFL’s leading rusher, rookie Kareem Hunt, making their big-play offense even more explosive.

So preventing the quick-strike, big-gain plays of that offense has been a major focus for the Broncos as they prepare for a Monday night matchup with their AFC West rivals.

“Those plays we can’t give up,” Broncos coach Vance Joseph said. “That’s where the Chiefs make their hay.”

The Chiefs are averaging 15.2 plays per game of 10 or more yards (second in the NFL) and 4.6 plays of 20 or more yards (fourth). Kansas City’s optionbased offense relies on the versatility of its weapons, including Hunt, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, who line up in multiple spots along varying formations.

“Mike Holmgren told me a long time ago, ‘Don’t ever let them put you in a box,’ ” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I’m working on that. I’m old, but I’m still working on it. I give a lot of credit to Matt Nagy, our offensive coordinator. He’s a creative guy. Between him, (assistant head coach) Brad Childress and myself, we try to muster up a few things.”

The key to combat the scheming that leads to big plays, linebacker Shaquil Barrett said, is falling back on fundamentals.

“Just do your job,” Barrett said. “That’s our mantra — every week, every game — but this week there’s even more emphasis on that. There’s going to be plays where we’ve got to stay inside. The ball might be outside and you have to react late to it because we have to make sure our job is secure. It’s a type of game like that where we just have to do our job.”

Injury report.

Defensive end Derek Wolfe and linebacker Todd Davis missed Thursday’s practice because of injuries. Cornerback Aqib Talib, nose tackle Domata Peko and running back Jamaal Charles were held out as part of their normal veteran’s rest day. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) did not practice but was on a side field working with trainers. Reserve offensive tackle Donald Stephenson also missed practice as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

Wolfe is dealing with foot and hand injuries, Joseph said, but the coach added that he expects the defensive lineman to be ready for Monday’s game. Davis suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers.

Offensive tackle Menelik Watson, who missed Sunday’s game with a calf injury, practiced on a limited basis Thursday and is “getting better every day,” Joseph said. The coach also said wide receivers Cody Latimer (knee) and Isaiah McKenzie (ankle) looked “fast and explosive” as they practiced on a limited basis.

Other Broncos limited in practice Thursday: tight ends A.J. Derby and Virgil Green and safety Will Parks, all of whom were listed with shoulder injuries.