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The Denver Broncos converted on third down twice and set up Will Lutz for the game-winning 35-yard field goal to extinguish any lingering demons that plagued them against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver won the game 22-19.
The Broncos defense was as good as ever, keeping Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs offense in check. Despite some penalties against defensive back Riley Moss, it was Ja’Quan McMillian who was the thorn in the Chiefs’ side.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, right, sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
He had an interception on Mahomes in the third quarter and sacked him with less than four minutes to play. He had six tackles, two sacks and two assists in the victory.
Justin Strnad led the Broncos with 10 tackles. DJ Jones had three tackles, including a sack. Kansas City was held to 311 total yards of offense on 62 total plays. Kansas City had 19 first downs but struggled in the red zone, going 1-for-4.
Bo Nix found Troy Franklin on third down for 32 yards, which helped set up Lutz for an easier field goal. Nix was 24 of 37 with 295 passing yards. Jaleel McLaughlin had the Broncos’ only touchdown. He ran it into the end zone in the third quarter.
Franklin led the Broncos with four catches for 84 yards.
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Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver improved to 9-2 with the win and has complete control of the AFC West, after the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Denver has now won three of its last four games against Kansas City after losing 16 straight games.
If the Broncos’ good fortune holds, Denver will win the AFC West for the first time since the 2015 season. During that season, the Broncos’ defense helped the team win the Super Bowl. The Broncos had victories in last year’s Super Bowl game. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5.
Kansas City’s playoff picture is getting more complicated.
The Chiefs fall to 5-5 and find themselves completely out of the playoffs. They would empty their lockers on Monday if the season ended after this game.
Kansas City sits in ninth place, one game behind the Jaguars in the win column. However, the Houston Texans fall between the two teams as the Texans have a tiebreaker against the Chiefs. Houston has the best winning percentage in conference games.
Denver Broncos field goal kicker Wil Lutz (3) celebrates after making a 35-yard field goal to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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The Chiefs’ streak of eight consecutive AFC championships is on the line.
On Sunday, Mahomes was 29 of 45 with a touchdown pass and an interception. The touchdown went to Travis Kelce, who had nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
