DENVER — The Denver Broncos stopped the Kansas City Chiefs at the goal line on the final snap Sunday to secure a 28-24 victory and claim first place in the AFC West.
With four seconds remaining, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach broke through the protection to sack Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City had moved within yards of a game-winning score. The stop sealed the 200th career victory, including postseason contests, for Denver head coach Sean Payton, NBC Sports reported.
Fourth-quarter rally turns the tide
Denver trailed 24-13 entering the final quarter before staging its fourth fourth-quarter comeback of the season. Quarterback Bo Nix trimmed the deficit by tossing a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins, followed by a successful two-point conversion throw to Jaylen Waddle to make it 24-21, according to Broncos Wire.
Kansas City attempted to extend its margin late in the quarter, but Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton sacked Mahomes for a six-yard loss, setting up a 54-yard field goal attempt. Struggling kicker Harrison Butker missed wide right with 2:31 left on the clock, leaving Denver with possession near midfield.
The Broncos struck rapidly. Nix connected with running back Jonah Coleman on a screen that went 51 yards down to the five-yard line. On the very next play, Coleman rushed into the end zone from five yards out to give Denver a 28-24 lead with 1:56 left in regulation, NBC Sports reported.
Chaos at the goal line
Kansas City responded with a furious drive. Emmett Johnson provided favorable field position with a 44-yard kickoff return, and Mahomes quickly found Travis Kelce for a 32-yard reception to the Denver 18-yard line.
The Chiefs eventually reached first-and-goal at the 4-yard line with 35 seconds remaining. Kenneth Walker ran to the 1-yard line before cornerback Patrick Surtain II brought him down. Following an incomplete pass, safety JL Skinner stopped Walker for no gain on third down.
On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Kansas City appeared to cross the goal line, but an offensive false start wiped out the score and pushed the Chiefs back five yards with four seconds remaining, HEAVY reported. On the untimed down from the 6-yard line, edge rushers Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto collapsed the pocket, allowing Roach to bring Mahomes down before a desperate toss to an offensive lineman, ending the game.
Statistical leaders and next steps
Nix finished 20 of 32 for 222 yards and two touchdowns, while Coleman contributed 104 yards from scrimmage on 15 touches. For the Chiefs, Mahomes completed 30 of 41 passes for 321 yards and three scores. Johnson recorded five receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Kelce added five catches for 67 yards, NBC Sports reported.
Denver overcame secondary injuries during the contest. Starting safety Brandon Jones was ruled out at halftime after aggravating a hamstring injury, while cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter, according to Broncos Wire.
The win improves Denver to 6-2 on the season and hands Kansas City (5-2) its second consecutive defeat after a 5-0 start. The Broncos head on the road to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 before taking their bye week.
