The Kansas City Chiefs extended their winning streak to 15 games after outlasting the Denver Broncos 16-14 Sunday afternoon. In a game defined by gritty defensive plays and timely scoring, the Kansas City Chiefs preserved their unbeaten record, moving to 9-0 on the season. Denver brought its own defensive intensity, pushing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to work for every yard in a tight, low-scoring battle.
Kansas City’s special teams came through with the play of the game, with a blocked field goal in the final seconds of regulation sealing the victory. Despite multiple sacks and red-zone struggles offensively, the Kansas City Chiefs still found a way to win. This victory keeps the Chiefs in the driver’s seat of the No. 1 seed in the AFC, with a highly-anticipated showdown looming next week against the Buffalo Bills.
Kansas City Chiefs Defense Sets the Tone Early
The first quarter was a preview of what was to come in this game with a display of both teams’ defenses forcing multiple punts. The Kansas City Chiefs defense wasted no time, with Chris Jones making an immediate impact by disrupting Denver’s backfield. Early in the game, Nazeeh Johnson recorded a 17-yard sack that stalled Denver’s offense, setting the tone early that the game would be dominated by the defense.
Although Kansas City’s offense gained some traction in their opening drive, Denver’s Defensive End Zach Allen delivered the first sack of the day on Mahomes, halting their opening drive. Each defense held firm, resulting in a scoreless first quarter with Denver threatening on Kansas City’s 11-yard line as the clock ran out. With both teams’ offenses struggling, it was clear this game would come down to which team could execute in the scoring areas and make the proper adjustments when necessary.
The Broncos opened the second quarter with the first scoring drive of the day, capping a nine-play, 80-yard drive with a Devaughn Vele touchdown. Kansas City answered on the following drive with a promising drive of its own, but Denver’s defense held strong, forcing the Kansas City Chiefs to settle for a field goal. Denver then struck again with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton, leaving Kansas City trailing by 11 points midway through the quarter, which was their largest deficit this season.
Mahomes and Kelce Keep the Chiefs Close
Just before halftime, the Kansas City Chiefs offense found rhythm, as Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a two-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. The 11-play, 70-yard drive came at the perfect time, bringing Kansas City within four points. This touchdown tied Kelce with Tony Gonzalez for the most touchdown receptions in Chiefs history.
Denver attempted to extend its lead with a 60-yard field goal before halftime, but the kick fell short. Kansas City entered the break down 14-10, with momentum slowly shifting back in its favor. Mahomes had a productive first half, completing 16 of 20 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Kelce led all receivers with 53 yards on six catches, as the Kansas City Chiefs looked to build off their late first half success.
Coming out of halftime, Denver’s defense kept the pressure on Mahomes, recording their third sack and forcing a quick punt. Kansas City’s defense responded in kind, holding the Broncos to a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs capitalized with a 16-play, 65-yard drive that ended with a Harrison Butker field goal, bringing the score to 14-13 late in the third quarter.
Special Teams and Defense Secure the Win
As the game entered the fourth quarter, Kansas City’s defense continued to deliver, with Nick Bolton’s timely sack ending Denver’s next possession. The Chiefs’ defensive unit consistently shut down Denver’s offense, keeping the game within reach. Offensively, the Kansas City Chiefs struggled in the red zone, ultimately finishing 1-of-4 on the day, but managed to take their first lead on another Butker field goal with just under six minutes left.
Kansas City led 16-14, but Denver wasn’t done. The Broncos drove deep into Chiefs territory for a potential game-winning field goal. However, Linebacker Leo Chenal had other ideas. Chenal came through with a game-saving block on Denver’s kicker Wil Lutz’s 35-yard attempt ending Denver’s hopes. Kansas City was able to secure this win in large part due to their defense and special teams coming through when it mattered most, as they held on to their two-point lead as the clock ran out.
With this win, the Chiefs overcame yet another double-digit deficit and defeated the Broncos. The resilience of this team continues to show itself week in and out. This week the defense, alongside the special teams’ clutch performance, further highlights this team’s ability to win no matter the odds.
Final Thoughts
Despite facing a relentless Broncos defense all day long, Mahomes and the Chiefs managed to hang on and do just enough to come out with another victory. Mahomes finished his day completing 28 of 42 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown, another game with no turnovers as well. Kelce added in eight receptions for 64 yards and a score. Running Back Kareem Hunt added 35 rushing yards and led the team with 65 receiving yards.
The Chiefs head into next week’s game against Buffalo with confidence, knowing their defense and special teams can step up when the offense struggles. However, this team has still shown major flaws that will have to continue to be worked on if they hope to keep their unbeaten record and secure the AFC’s top seed.
