Broncos Overcome 11-Point Deficit to Take Half-Game AFC West Lead
Denver’s fourth-quarter surge erased Kansas City’s advantage, leaving the Chiefs with a half-game deficit in the division standings.
By Pablo Kuznetsov ·
Denver held an 11-point cushion in the fourth quarter before a double-digit comeback by the Broncos resulted in a 28-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium. The final score gave Denver a half-game advantage in the AFC West standings with ten games remaining on the Chiefs' 2026 regular season schedule.
Kansas City built its lead on a strong first half performance. Wide receiver Rashee Rice caught an 11-yard touchdown pass with 6:04 remaining in the first half, marking the first touchdown pass for quarterback Patrick Mahomes in nearly a month. That score extended the Chiefs' early 7-3 lead to 17-13 at the halftime break, secured by a 45-yard field goal from Harrison Butker.
Rookie running back Emmett Johnson served as the primary offensive threat for Kansas City in the opening 30 minutes. Although he did not record a rushing carry, Johnson finished the first half with three receptions for 119 yards. His 73-yard touchdown reception was his first career score, and a subsequent 38-yard catch set up Butker's field goal that capped the half.
The game featured a notable personnel choice on the offensive line. Head coach Andy Reid benched left guard Kingsley Suamataia in favor of Mike Caliendo for the first time in a game situation. This marked the second instance this season that Caliendo started at the position. Reid previously attributed the Week 4 benching against the Raiders to disciplinary reasons, stating the specifics would remain between the coach and the third-year lineman.
With the Chiefs leading 24-13 and more than 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Reid ordered a punt on fourth down from the goal line. The decision proved costly as Denver advanced to the spot of the punt on the next drive. Eight plays later, the Broncos scored a touchdown and converted a two-point attempt, cutting the Kansas City lead to three points.
Kicker Harrison Butker finished the game with mixed results. He converted all three extra point attempts and a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, he missed a 54-yard field goal attempt in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, continuing a streak of misses from distances of 50 yards or more.
The Chiefs will return to Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday at noon to face the New York Jets, who currently hold a 2-6 record.
Source: KCTV5
