Final score: Chiefs hold on to defeat Broncos, 22-16

The Kansas City Chiefs trailed the Denver Broncos 16-12 late in the third quarter, a position nobody expected the world champions to find themselves in — even against an AFC West rival.

Facing third-and-5 at the Broncos 26-yard line, quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambled for the six yards himself. Two plays later, Mahomes used a free play to take the lead for good, stepping up into the pocket and hitting tight Travis Kelce for a 20-yard touchdown.

The Chiefs improved to 11-1 on the season with their 22-16 win on Sunday Night Football, while Broncos dropped to 4-8. The Chiefs clinched their sixth straight playoff berth with the win. Kelce finished with 136 yards to notch 1,000 yards for an NFL record fifth-straight season.

The Chiefs and Broncos exchanged field goals in the first quarter, leading to an unusual sequence in the second quarter.

Facing third-and-10 on the Denver 40, Patrick Mahomes launched a deep pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill, covered by Broncos cornerback A.J. Bouye in the end zone. Bouye deflected the ball and the referees ruled the play incomplete. Andy Reid quickly sent out the punt unit.

It appeared the ball never hit the ground on the replay, but it was too late for the Chiefs to challenge the play.

Broncos running back Melvin Gordon ripped the Chiefs for a 65-yard third-down gain on the next possession, and quarterback Drew Lock hit wide receiver Tim Patrick for a 5-yard touchdown and 10-3 lead — seemingly a 14-point swing.

The Chiefs then kicked field goals on three straight possessions to take a 12-10 lead in the third quarter. Lock and the Broncos quickly answered with an 11-play drive, ending with another Patrick touchdown. Winning 16-12, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio opted to go for two points, but the conversion failed.

Mahomes and Kelce took the lead on the touchdown, and a Butker field goal in the fourth quarter extended the Chiefs’ lead to 22-16. Safety Tyrann Mathieu recorded his second interception of the game to seal the victory.

Injuries

• There were no injuries to report.

Special teams

• Cornerback Rashad Fenton continued to serve the Chiefs as their kick returner, but he has yet to have an opportunity for a return since Byron Pringle’s injury.
• The Chiefs put Tyreek Hill back to return a punt, but he fair caught the football. Mecole Hardman went back for the next punt.
• Harrison Butker was a perfect 5 of 5 on field goals and 1 of 1 on extra points — a key performance in the win after some midseason struggles.

Rapid reaction

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

Statistics