NFL scores: Broncos take commanding lead of AFC West
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The Denver Broncos took third down twice and set up Will Lutz for a 35-yard game-winning field goal to extinguish the demons plaguing them against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver won the game 22-19.
The Broncos’ defense was as good as ever, keeping Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs’ offense in check. Despite a couple of penalties on defender Riley Moss, it was Ja’Quan McMillian who caused trouble for the Chiefs.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (R) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
He tackled Mahomes in the third quarter and sacked him with less than four minutes left in the game. He had six tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups in the win.
Justin Strnad led the Broncos with 10 tackles. DJ Jones had three tackles, including a sack. Kansas City was held to 311 yards of total offense on 62 total plays. Kansas City had 19 first downs but went 1-for-4 in the red zone.
Bo Nix found Troy Franklin on third down for 32 yards, which helped Lutz get an easier field goal. Nix was 24/37 with 295 passing yards. Jaleel McLaughlin scored the lone goal for the Broncos. He raced toward the end zone in the third quarter.
Franklin led the Broncos with four catches for 84 yards.
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Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
Denver improved to 9-2 with the win and took full control of the AFC West after the Los Angeles Chargers lost on the road to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Denver has won three of its last four games against Kansas City after previously losing 16 straight games.
If the Broncos’ fortunes hold, Denver will win the AFC West for the first time since the 2015 season. During that season, the Broncos’ defense helped the team to a Super Bowl win. The Broncos triumphed in last year’s Super Bowl. They beat the Philadelphia Eagles in week 5.
Kansas City’s playoff picture is getting more complicated.
The Chiefs fell to 5-5 and found themselves completely out of the playoffs. If the season ends after this game, they would empty their lockers on Monday.
Kansas City sits ninth in the win standings, one game behind the Jaguars. However, the Houston Texans are among both teams because the Texans have a chance at the tiebreaker against the Chiefs. Houston has a better winning percentage in conference games.
Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz (3) celebrates after kicking a 35-yard field goal to beat the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (Jack Dempsey/AP Photo)
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The Chiefs’ streak of eight consecutive AFC championships remains in limbo.
On Sunday, Mahomes was 29-of-45 with a touchdown pass and an interception. The touchdown went to Travis Kelce, who had nine catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
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