Broncos Rally Past Chiefs 28-24 to Take AFC West Lead.
Denver Colorado – The Denver Broncos delivered another dramatic division victory Sunday, overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 at Empower Field at Mile High. Malcolm Roach made the decisive play, sacking Patrick Mahomes on fourth-and-goal in the final seconds to secure the win. Denver improved to 6-2 and moved into first place in the AFC West, holding a half-game advantage over Kansas City, which fell to 5-2 after suffering its second consecutive loss. The victory also extended the Broncos’ remarkable run in close games. Denver has now won 15 consecutive contests decided by one score over the past two seasons. The result also marked Mahomes’ third career loss in 83 games when his team entered the fourth quarter with a lead of at least 10 points. Kansas City appeared to have control after building a 24-13 advantage early in the fourth quarter. However, Denver responded with two scoring drives to complete the comeback. Bo Nix started the rally with a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins. The Broncos then converted the two-point attempt, with Nix connecting with Jaylen Waddle to cut the deficit to 24-21. The Chiefs had an opportunity to extend their lead late in the game, but Harrison Butker missed a 54-yard field goal attempt wide right in the rainy conditions with approximately 2:30 remaining. The missed kick came after Alex Singleton brought down Mahomes for a 6-yard loss. Denver capitalized immediately. Nix connected with rookie running back Jonah Coleman for a 51-yard gain on the first play of the drive. Coleman finished the possession with a 5-yard touchdown run, giving the Broncos a 28-24 lead after a two-play scoring sequence that lasted just 35 seconds. The Chiefs still had time for one final response. An explosive kickoff return by Emmett Johnson and a 32-yard reception by Travis Kelce helped Kansas City move into scoring position. Kenneth Walker III also contributed several important runs as the Chiefs advanced inside Denver's 5-yard line with 35 seconds remaining.
Denver's defense refused to surrender the lead. Patrick Surtain II stopped Walker at the 1-yard line on first down. Mahomes was pressured by Que Robinson and threw an incomplete pass on second down, while safety J.L. Skinner stopped Walker for no gain on third down.
On fourth-and-goal, Mahomes initially appeared to connect with Rashee Rice for a potential winning touchdown. However, the play was nullified by a false start penalty against right tackle Jaylon Moore. The penalty forced Kansas City to try again from the 6-yard line. With four seconds remaining, Roach broke through the offensive line alongside Nik Bonitto and brought Mahomes down for a 6-yard loss, ending the game. The defensive stand completed a significant turnaround for a Denver team that had struggled against Kansas City earlier in the season. The Chiefs had defeated the Broncos 31-10 in their previous meeting, with Walker rushing for 173 yards in that contest. This time, Walker was limited to 69 yards on 21 carries. Nix finished the afternoon completing 20 of 32 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Mahomes completed 30 of 41 attempts for 321 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. The win also marked the 200th career victory for Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Nix recorded his 15th career fourth-quarter or overtime game-winning drive, moving ahead of Dak Prescott, who had 14 during his first three NFL seasons since the 1970 merger. Despite the victory, Denver will have areas to address heading into its next game. The Broncos have converted just 10 of 48 third-down opportunities over their last four games, all victories.
Injury Updates
Kansas City defensive lineman Peter Woods exited in the first quarter with a neck injury.
Denver cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine left during the second quarter with an ankle injury, while safety Brandon Jones was ruled out at halftime because of a hamstring injury.
What’s Next
The Chiefs will return home next Sunday to host the New York Jets as they look to end their losing streak.The Broncos will travel to face the Carolina Panthers, aiming to extend their winning run and maintain their position atop the AFC West.
