In Week 8 of the NFL, the (6-1) Kansas City Chiefs are on track to complete their 2023 deal with the (2-5) Denver Broncos. Just 18 days ago, the Chiefs defeated the Broncos 19-8 in Kansas City, celebrating their 16th straight victory over their long-time AFC West rival. Snow had been forecast for this game – but the storm moved across Denver faster than expected, leaving an accumulation of about seven inches. The sky is partly cloudy at kickoff. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s during the game.
First quarter
The Broncos won the first coin toss and postponed the decision until the second half. That gave Kansas City its first possession, starting at the 25-yard line after a touchback.
The Chiefs quickly went three-and-out to start the game. Two dropbacks by quarterback Patrick Mahomes resulted in a loss of yards and an incompletion despite plenty of time in the pocket. Broncos took over after the punt.
Denver hit the rock with running back Javonte Williams and leaned on him to eventually get into the red zone. Then quarterback Russell Wilson found Williams on a screen pass; The play scored from four yards out and gave Denver an initial 7-0 lead.
Kansas City got the offense going first with running back Isiah Pacheco, who rebounded a tackle and gained 19 yards on a handoff to start the drive. Mahomes then found wide receiver Justin Watson on the sideline to enter Denver territory. The Chiefs entered the red zone after Mahomes escaped the tacklers and picked up a first down.
A negative play set the Chiefs back and eventually a failed third down turned into a successful field goal. Kansas City took the lead from Denver 7-3.
Second quarter
The Broncos continued to attack the Chiefs’ run defense, which was missing starting linebacker Nick Bolton. But linebacker Willie Gay Jr. made a strong tackle to force a second down to force third down. From there, cornerback Trent McDuffie pressured Wilson into an incompletion, which resulted in a punt.
Looking for another score, a promising Chiefs push was halted early when wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scanting fumbled after a reception. The Broncos took over midfield.
On the first play of Denver’s drive, Wilson passed 39 yards to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy – giving him the chance to catch the pass over safety Justin Reid. Two plays later, the duo connected in the back of the end zone to give the Broncos a 14-3 lead.
An ugly start to the game got even uglier when Mahomes was intercepted on a downfield throw a few plays before the drive. Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan made the impressive catch, bringing the Broncos to the Chiefs’ 48-yard line.
The Chiefs defense stepped up and stopped the Broncos on all four downs to give the offense the ball back. The fourth down attempt was stopped by linebacker Drue Tranquill, who tackled Wilson just short of the line for the gain.
Wide receiver Rashee Rice ran for 39 yards to start the ensuing drive, but ended up missing a key block on third down. This forced the Chiefs to settle for a field goal, extending Denver’s lead to 14-6.
The Broncos continued to run through the teeth of the Chiefs’ defense; Williams drove through arm tackles for 15 yards to convert a second down. Two incompletions later, Denver faced third down and defensive end Mike Danna ended the drive with a swarming sack. The Broncos had to punt.
Kansas City moved to midfield before the two-minute warning and appeared to be in prime position to score thanks to completions by wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Travis Kelce. After halftime, Kelce got into the red zone with a great finish, but Mahomes was stripped in the pocket, leading to the team’s third turnover of the first half.
Denver attempted to score with less than 40 seconds left in the second quarter, but was stopped by defensive end George Karlaftis, who forced a fumble from Wilson. The ball was recovered by Willie Gay Jr.
Two plays later, kicker Harrison Butker hit a 56-yard attempt to cut the Chiefs’ deficit to 14-9 at halftime.
Third quarter
The Chiefs’ defense tried to quickly get the ball back for the offense, setting up a third down – but the Broncos converted with an impressive grab by Courtland Sutton over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. That set up the running game to lead Denver past midfield.
A few plays later, a third-down sack by defensive lineman Charles Omenihu was negated by a holding penalty on Sneed. That gave Denver new life, along with a Wilson tackle that put the Broncos inside the Chiefs’ 15-yard line. However, Kansas City’s defense stepped up and was capped off by a second sack by Karlaftis.
On fourth down, the field goal attempt was blocked by safety Justin Reid – who flew over the line with great timing to make the play.
The Chiefs tried to take advantage of good field position and pushed to center field with the help of another big catch by Justin Watson. However, the third down was successful and a long pass to Watson fell incomplete this time. The team struck from the Broncos’ 42-yard line.
Denver took the lead and entered the fourth quarter with possession and a few first downs.
Fourth quarter
The Broncos again moved the chains with a defensive penalty against Kansas City, with Sneed receiving his third penalty of the game for pass interference. That and another quick completion put the Broncos on the Chiefs’ side, but a sack by linebacker Leo Chenal pushed Denver back far enough for them to punt.
However, Mecole Hardman parried the punt, giving the Broncos possession at the Chiefs’ nine-yard line. Two plays later, a scrambling Wilson found Sutton in the corner of the end zone, giving the Broncos a 21-9 lead with 10 minutes left.
Injuries
Safety Justin Reid stayed down after fighting for a deep pass in the second quarter. He quickly returned to the game.
Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. injured his tailbone at some point and was listed as questionable to return in the fourth quarter.
Special teams
Kicker Harrison Butker hit a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter. He made a 34-yard kick in the second quarter. Just before halftime, Butker made a 56-yard attempt.
Punter Tommy Townsend sent his first punt 49 yards in the first quarter. In the third quarter, his second punt of the game was deflected at the nine-yard line.
Punt returner Mecole Hardman botched a punt in the fourth quarter, setting up a Denver touchdown.
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