The Denver Broncos didn’t just win on Sunday — they rewrote history. On November 16, 2025, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, the Broncos stunned the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19, snapping Patrick Mahomes’ astonishing 13-1 record against them. The victory wasn’t just another upset; it was a statement. With their eighth straight win, the Broncos (8-3) now lead the AFC West, while the Chiefs (7-4) suddenly look vulnerable in the playoff race. And the man who made it happen? Bo Nix, the 24-year-old quarterback who played like a veteran in the clutch.
Bo Nix Steps Into the Spotlight
For years, Mahomes has been the undisputed king of the AFC West, carving up Denver like it was a practice squad. But on this day, Bo Nix didn’t flinch. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, calmly navigating a hostile environment and a Chiefs defense that had sacked him twice in the first half. What stood out wasn’t just his stats — it was his poise. On third-and-8 late in the fourth quarter, with the Broncos clinging to a 22-19 lead and 2:17 left, Nix dropped back, read the coverage, and hit tight end Greg Dulcich for a 17-yard gain. That drive killed the clock. No heroics. No lucky throws. Just precision under pressure.
"He had pass protection that was pretty [m]ag," said Colin Cowherd on his November 17 broadcast. "And when you’ve got a guy who doesn’t panic, you’ve got something special. This isn’t a fluke. This is a quarterback who’s ready for October football in January."
How Mahomes Got Stopped
It’s easy to forget that Patrick Mahomes isn’t invincible — he’s just really, really good. But on Sunday, Denver’s defense made him work for every yard. He completed 28 of 42 passes for 263 yards, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. The Broncos brought pressure on 42% of his dropbacks — a season high for any Chiefs game this year. His one interception came on a desperation heave into double coverage, and his lone touchdown was a 12-yard dart to rookie receiver Taquan Mizzell on a play that should’ve been intercepted.
"It doesn’t feel the same," Cowherd said, referencing Chris Jones, the 29-year-old Chiefs defensive tackle who had one sack and two pressures but looked slower than usual. "Interior linemen age quickly. And right now, Jones isn’t the guy who terrorized the league in 2023. He’s still good — but he’s not the anchor anymore."
The Kickoff That Changed Everything
The game didn’t start with a touchdown. It started with a spark. On the opening kickoff, Sky Moore, Denver’s 23-year-old return specialist, took the ball at the 10-yard line and sprinted 90 yards for a touchdown. It was the first kickoff return TD for the Broncos since 2021. The crowd erupted. The Chiefs looked shell-shocked. And suddenly, the narrative shifted: this wasn’t just another game. This was Denver’s day.
"They came out with a massive chip on their shoulder," Cowherd noted. "And they played about as well as anybody in the league yesterday."
The Ripple Effect Across the AFC
This win didn’t just change the AFC West — it altered the entire playoff landscape. The Broncos now hold the tiebreaker over the Chiefs thanks to their head-to-head victory. With six games left, Denver’s schedule includes road trips to Las Vegas and Cincinnati, while Kansas City faces Cleveland, Houston, and Tennessee — all teams with winning records. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills (7-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) are lurking, but Denver’s momentum is undeniable.
"Denver’s got more good players," Cowherd argued, dismissing the notion that Kansas City’s salary cap manipulation gives them an edge. "And right now, they’re playing like a team that believes it can win the whole thing."
Elsewhere, the AFC was shifting. The Chicago Bears (7-3) stunned the Vikings with rookie QB Caleb Williams throwing for three touchdowns. The Philadelphia Eagles beat Detroit, solidifying their NFC playoff grip. And in the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams remain tied at 7-2, with Kenneth Walker scoring a critical touchdown and Jason Myers missing a 61-yarder at the buzzer — a reminder that even the best kickers can’t carry a team.
What’s Next? The Final Six Weeks
Denver’s next test? A road game against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 23 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The Raiders are 5-5, but they’ve beaten the Chiefs twice in the last three years — and they’ve got a defense that can disrupt Nix’s rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium on the same day. A loss there would drop them to 7-5 and likely out of the top seed conversation. Andy Reid, the 67-year-old head coach who’s won three Super Bowls with Mahomes, now faces his toughest challenge yet: adapting without his old magic.
Why This Matters Beyond the Standings
This wasn’t just about a division lead. It was about generational change. For 14 seasons, Mahomes has been the standard-bearer of the AFC. But now, a new generation is rising — Nix, Williams, even the 22-year-old J.J. McCarthy of Minnesota, who struggled against Chicago. The league is evolving. And Denver’s win proves that even the most dominant dynasties can be toppled — if you’ve got the right quarterback, the right defense, and the right moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bo Nix perform under pressure compared to Patrick Mahomes?
Bo Nix completed 23 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns with zero turnovers, including a critical 17-yard conversion on third-and-8 in the final minutes. Mahomes, despite throwing for 263 yards, had one interception and was pressured on 42% of his dropbacks. Nix’s calm decision-making under duress contrasted sharply with Mahomes’ occasional forced throws, especially in the fourth quarter when the Chiefs’ offense stalled.
Why is Chris Jones’ performance a concern for the Chiefs?
Chris Jones, 29, recorded only one sack and two pressures — his lowest output since Week 2. Analysts like Colin Cowherd noted that interior linemen tend to decline rapidly after 28, and Jones’ lateral movement and burst appear diminished. His reduced impact allowed Denver’s offensive line to focus on containing Mahomes, contributing to the Chiefs’ offensive struggles in critical drives.
What does this win mean for the Broncos’ Super Bowl chances?
Denver is now 8-3 and leads the AFC West with a favorable schedule. Their defense ranks seventh in the league, and their offense has scored 30+ points in five straight games. With Nix showing elite poise and a deep receiving corps led by Sky Moore and Greg Dulcich, they’re no longer just contenders — they’re a legitimate threat to reach Super Bowl LX.
Did the Chiefs’ offensive line contribute to their loss?
Yes. Kansas City’s offensive line allowed five sacks and nine hits on Mahomes — their worst performance since Week 5. Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was flagged twice for holding, and right guard Trey Hill struggled against Denver’s interior rush. Without consistent protection, Mahomes was forced into quick throws and rushed decisions, undermining his usual improvisational brilliance.
How did Sky Moore’s kickoff return impact the game’s momentum?
Moore’s 90-yard return on the opening kickoff was Denver’s first since 2021 and instantly shifted the game’s energy. The Chiefs’ special teams were out of position, and the Broncos’ sideline erupted. That score set the tone — Denver came out aggressive, and Kansas City never recovered mentally. It also forced Mahomes to play catch-up early, which disrupted the Chiefs’ rhythm.
What’s the significance of Andy Reid’s record against the Broncos?
Reid is 11-1 against Denver as Chiefs head coach, but this loss marks his first defeat to them since 2021. His offensive schemes, once unstoppable against Denver’s secondary, were neutralized by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s zone-blitz packages. With Reid now 67 and facing questions about his adaptability, this loss raises doubts about whether the Chiefs can sustain dominance without Mahomes at full strength — and whether Reid’s system is becoming predictable.
- Poplular Tags
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Bo Nix
- Patrick Mahomes
- AFC West
