Chiefs’ AFC West Hopes Take Hit After Broncos Loss

The Kansas City Chiefs hit the road and took on the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos in a game with huge implications. The Chiefs needed to win this game more than the Broncos did, and a loss would hurt Kansas City way more than it would Denver.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

1st Quarter

Kansas City's defense took the field to start the game, and it was immediately evident that the players understood the significance of this matchup. Chamarri Conner made an impactful play right from the beginning, recording a huge sack on Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

But just because the Chiefs' defense started hot didn't mean that the Broncos' offense would comply, as their first drive of the game ended with putting three points up on the board. 3-0 Broncos.

Patrick Mahomes took the field looking to continue his success over the Broncos in his career, entering the game with a 13-1 record against the franchise. Kansas City tried two deep balls and got denied, forcing them to punt the ball away.

A costly penalty on the Chiefs' kicking team gave the Broncos a prime position on the field, but the Kansas City defense held them out of the end zone once more, forcing another three-point attempt. 6-0 Broncos on two drives.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton on the sidelines during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Mahomes targeted Xavier Worthy on a deep ball, yet it was incomplete and ruled pass interference, giving Kansas City a chance to take the lead. Denver's defense did what the Chiefs' did, keeping Kansas City out of the end zone.

Harrison Butker did get the Chiefs on the board, cutting the lead in half. 6-3 Broncos.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

2nd Quarter:

The Chiefs took nine minutes and 32 seconds off the clock after the Broncos punted the ball following three plays. Kansas City drove down to the red zone, but the Broncos' defense held strong, preventing them from scoring a touchdown. As a result, Kansas City settled for a field goal, resulting in a 6-6 tie with less than five minutes left in the first half.

Denver once again couldn't do anything with their drives, as the Kansas City defense forced another punt from the Broncos. With just over three minutes left in the game, this gave the Chiefs all the time in the world to get something done and take a lead.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Neither franchise would score again before half.

3rd Quarter:

The Chiefs and Broncos started to both show some fight, knowing now that this game would be closer and low-scoring than originally thought. Mahomes tossed an interception near the Broncos' end zone, which would have given them the lead. Instead, Denver would find the end zone on their next drive. 13-6 Broncos.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) carries the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Tyquan Thornton again showed his worth to this Chiefs offense by hauling in a deep pass from Mahomes to get into Denver territory. Kareem Hunt rushed his way into the end zone, and they head to the fourth quarter of the game with a 13-13 tie. The game would come down to the wire.

4th Quarter:

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts after his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Broncos opened the fourth with another field goal drive, giving them a 16-13 lead with plenty of game left. But on the back of Travis Kelce's 21-yard reception, the Chiefs took the lead at 19-16. The extra point was denied, making this anyone's game still.

Denver would respond, adding three of their own, bringing it to a 19-19 tie with under five minutes of the game. Fans on both sides were biting their fingernails; the competition ramped up immensely.

Nov 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (29) carries the ball in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Broncos had the ball with one minute left in the game, the Chiefs' AFC West division hopes seemingly on the line. A big pass and not enough time left in the game, the Broncos would take this game, forcing the Chiefs to a 5-5 record.

Final: Broncos 22, Chiefs 19.

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