Why Chiefs-Broncos Could Define Kansas City’s Season

The Kansas City Chiefs are in an unfamiliar territory at this point in the season compared to how seasons have gone in the past. Sitting in third place in the AFC West after Week 10, this Week 11 matchup against their division rival Denver Broncos that much bigger.

The Broncos are riding a seven-game winning streak and have easily been the team to beat in the division. For the Chiefs, a team who's won the AFC West nine years straight, if they have any aspirations to become division champs for a tenth year in a row, this game is the biggest of the season.

Ask analyst Mike Florio, and he'll tell you the same thing, which he alluded to on a recent episode of Pro Football Talk, alongside Michael Holley.

Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Florio's Thoughts

"Are the Broncos about to nail down the AFC West? No. No. There's seven games left for them, and they have to deal with the Chargers and the Chiefs. They're not about ready," Florio said about the openness of the division.

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

"But they (Broncos) are in a position where they could get some separation and they could maybe begin the process of distancing themselves from the Kansas City Chiefs. That's the most important game of the year for the Chiefs so far next week. That's critical critical game for the Kansas City Chiefs coming up in Week 11. Must win for the Kansas City Chiefs."

The Rivalry

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Peyton talks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

It's no secret that the Chiefs and Broncos will be a great matchup; both franchises play the other often and are competitive. For Patrick Mahomes he is in a position he's unfamiliar with, as a loss could set the franchise to 5-5 with seven games remaining, making their ceiling 12-5 at best.

Last season, the Broncos almost beat the Chiefs before Kansas City blocked what would have been a game-winning field goal. In Week 18, 2024, the Broncos laid waste to the Chiefs, beating them 38-0. If this game isn't the biggest must-win game for the Chiefs in the regular season, it's difficult to pick another.

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates with defensive end George Karlaftis (56) after defeating the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Chiefs when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW.

Chiefs Kingdom, OnSI welcomes you to the Internet’s No. 1 destination for in-depth info, always free; the best way to get it is to follow @KCChiefsOnSI, @ZakSGilbert and @Domminchella on X (Twitter). And join the conversation by visiting our Facebook page (here)