Lutz’s Last-Second Field Goal Lifts Broncos Over Chiefs, Extends Win Streak to Eight.

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

DENVER — Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Denver Broncos to a 22-19 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, giving the team its eighth consecutive win. Lutz, who had five field goals in the game, recalled a similar situation last year at Kansas City when his kick was blocked.

“I was kind of like, shoot, here we are,” Lutz said. “I've been waiting for a game like that.”

Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that last November’s 16-14 loss at Arrowhead Stadium motivated the team, which later went 5-2 to secure a playoff berth. Lutz agreed, adding, “If you look back at the last year-and-a-half since that game, this team has come together and found ways to win close games.”

With the win, Denver (9-2) further damaged the Chiefs’ (5-5) hold on the AFC West, which Kansas City had dominated since 2016. Chiefs coach Andy Reid fell to 27-5 following a bye week, including playoff games and his tenure with Philadelphia.

“We've just got a resilient team that believes we're going to win, and at the end of the game when it's close, that belief goes a long way,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said, noting the team’s 7-2 record in one-score games this season. Nix helped set up the winning kick with a 32-yard pass to Troy Franklin that brought Denver to the Kansas City 15-yard line with under a minute left.

Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its only lead with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, marking the tight end’s 84th career touchdown and surpassing Priest Holmes’ franchise record. The extra point by Harrison Butker was blocked by Frank Crum, and Denver tied the game at 19 with Lutz’s 54-yard field goal with 4:10 remaining.

Denver’s defense forced Kansas City into a three-and-out after Ja’Quan McMillian sacked Mahomes on third-and-10 from the Chiefs 36-yard line. McMillian finished with six tackles, including two for loss, two quarterback hits, a pass breakup, an interception, and two sacks, earning the game ball in Payton’s words. The Broncos marched 58 yards in 10 plays during the final 2:59, securing their 11th straight win at Empower Field, where they have not lost since October 2024. This marked the third consecutive home victory over the Chiefs.

Earlier in the game, Kelce’s touchdown followed a 46-yard pass interference penalty against Denver cornerback Riley Moss. Moss acknowledged his mistake and joked about wearing boxing gloves in practice to avoid grabbing receivers. Denver’s eight-game winning streak is its longest since 2012, when Peyton Manning led the team to 11 consecutive victories. With the Broncos’ win and the Chargers’ loss to Jacksonville, Kansas City’s nine-year reign atop the AFC West faces a significant challenge.

Running back Jaleel McLaughlin, filling in for the injured J.K. Dobbins, scored a 4-yard touchdown to break a 6-6 tie in the third quarter. The Chiefs responded with a big play from Mahomes to Tyquan Thornton, setting up Kareem Hunt’s 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 13. It was Kansas City’s first touchdown at Empower Field in 11 quarters.

A year after going undefeated in one-score games, the Chiefs have struggled this season, losing all five such contests. Mahomes acknowledged the difficulty but stressed the importance of moving forward. “They’ve played some good football in spurts,” Mahomes said. “It’s just about being more consistent, and until we do that, all you can do is keep practicing and push yourself to execute on game day.”

Denver’s focus now turns to sustaining momentum. “We're 9-2 going into the bye, get a chance to rest, get some people back, and keep this momentum going into the playoffs,” Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper said.

Injuries

• Chiefs: LG Kingsley Suamataia sustained a concussion.

• Broncos: Rookie WR Pat Bryant was evaluated for a concussion but returned. The team was also without CB Pat Surtain II (pectoral), ILB Alex Singleton (testicular cancer), and Dobbins (left foot).

Next Up

• Chiefs: Visit the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday.