Final score: Chiefs clobber Broncos 43-16 in Denver

Much of the talk headed into the Kansas City Chiefs’ game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday revolved around Patrick Mahomes and his affinity for snow-filled football games.

It snowed on Sunday in Denver, but it was less Mahomes and more team play that led to a dominant 43-16 Chiefs victory. The Chiefs improved to 6-1 on the season, and Denver fell to 2-4.

Kansas City scored touchdowns in all three phases of the game — offense, defense and special teams — in the first half.

After being blanked last week against the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Mecole Hardman was involved in the offense early in the first quarter, using one hand to bring in a 19-yard pass down the left sideline to get Kansas City into the Denver red zone. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire broke several tackles en route to an 11-yard rushing touchdown to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.

The Chiefs defense forced the Broncos to two three-and-outs to start the game — but then faltered when tight end Nick Keizer fumbled a ball away, giving the Broncos a short field. Quarterback Drew Lock faked a sweep and a handoff, then kept it himself for a two-yard touchdown. Brandon McManus missed the extra point, and the Chiefs led 10-6 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen intercepted a Lock pass and ran 50 yards untouched for a touchdown. McManus hit a 43-yard field goal to make it 17-9, but then wide receiver Byron Pringle returned the ensuing kickoff 102 yards for the touchdown. The Chiefs led 24-9 at the half.

Mahomes had just 144 passing yards through three quarters but got things going a bit in the fourth, when he had 56 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown to Tyreek Hill. Backup quarterback Chad Henne ran in the team’s final score of the day.

The Chiefs defense pressured the Broncos throughout the game, combining for three sacks and six quarterback hits on Lock. Defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton forced a fumble — that safety Tyrann Mathieu recovered — and Mathieu also recorded his second interception of the season to set the Chiefs up for their first fourth-quarter touchdown.

Kansas City’s win marked the organization’s 10th in a row over the Broncos.

Injuries

• The Chiefs had no injuries to report.

Special teams

• Kicker Harrison Butker made his first four extra points before missing the fifth try — his fifth extra point miss in seven games.

Rapid reaction

• The game’s rapid reaction will be posted to our homepage shortly.

Statistics