Broncos claim AFC West lead over Chiefs
A late-game sack by Malcolm Roach sealed a 28-24 victory that reversed the division standings in Denver.
By Luca Harrison ·
Denver fans left the stadium as the new leaders of the AFC West. The Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on Sunday, a result that moved Denver to the top of the division with a 6-2 record. Kansas City falls to 5-2.
The outcome hinged on a defensive stop in the final minute. With the ball on the 1-yard line and 1 minute 56 seconds remaining, the Chiefs faced fourth down. Patrick Mahomes threw a pass that Malcolm Roach batted out, resulting in a sack. The turnover ended Kansas City's drive and secured the win for Denver.
The Chiefs built a 24-13 lead in the third quarter but could not convert on a critical 54-yard field goal attempt. Harrison Butker missed wide right in the rain. That failure allowed the Broncos to score on their next two possessions. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman gained 51 yards and then ran for a 5-yard touchdown to give Denver the lead.
Bo Nix engineered the comeback with two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His efficiency contrasted with the Chiefs' offense, which stalled in the red zone despite earlier momentum.
Kansas City had dominated the first three quarters. Mahomes threw for 321 yards and three touchdowns. He connected with Emmett Johnson for a 73-yard score and Rashee Rice for an 11-yard pass. Kenneth Walker III added 69 rushing yards on 21 carries. These plays established the lead that Denver erased in the final eight minutes.
The Chiefs entered the game following a loss to Seattle, where Mahomes struggled. This was his first time in his career without a touchdown pass in consecutive games until this week. However, he found Noah Gray for a 4-yard score in the third quarter to extend the lead. The team dropped its second straight game.
Injuries affected both rosters. For the Chiefs, defensive lineman Peter Woods left in the first quarter with a neck injury. Cornerbacks L'Jarius Sneed and Mansoor Delane sat out with knee and shoulder issues, respectively. Denver lost cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine to an ankle injury and safety Brandon Jones to a hamstring issue at halftime.
The Broncos travel to Carolina next Sunday. The Chiefs host the New York Jets at home.
