Broncos Rally Past Chiefs 28–24 to Take AFC West Lead

The Denver Broncos erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 28–24 on Sunday, taking the AFC West lead with a late touchdown and a defensive stand at Empower Field at Mile High.

Denver improved to 6–2, while Kansas City fell to 5–2. The Chiefs led 24–13 entering the final quarter but failed to score again, leaving an afternoon that had included three Patrick Mahomes touchdown passes without a winning finish.

Bo Nix brought the Broncos within reach by finding Nate Adkins for a two-yard touchdown on fourth down. Jaylen Waddle then caught the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 24–21 and forcing Kansas City to protect a much narrower advantage.

The Chiefs moved into position to extend that lead, but Harrison Butker missed a 54-yard field-goal attempt. Denver needed only two plays to turn the missed opportunity into the decisive touchdown, with Jonah Coleman scoring on a five-yard run with 1:56 remaining.

Kansas City still had a final chance to answer. Denver held at its goal line to preserve the comeback, according to WIBW’s game report, completing a fourth quarter in which the Broncos outscored their division rivals 15–0.

Nix finished with 222 passing yards and two touchdown passes, while Mahomes threw for 321 yards and three scores, according to The Football Database. Kansas City gained 399 yards to Denver’s 294, but committed 11 penalties for 105 yards. Denver converted both of its fourth-down attempts. Neither quarterback threw an interception, while Denver finished with six penalties for 45 yards.

Mahomes had earlier connected with Rashee Rice, Emmett Johnson and Noah Gray for touchdowns. Johnson’s scoring reception covered 73 yards, helping Kansas City build its advantage before Denver’s late response. The Chiefs next host the New York Jets on November 8, with their division lead now gone.