Denver Broncos Hold Off Late Chiefs Rally
On Sunday afternoon in Denver, the Denver Broncos secured a dramatic victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling AFC West showdown that ended with a final score of 28-24. Trailing with just four seconds remaining and facing a 1-yard line situation, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs nearly pulled off another signature late-game comeback before a penalty and a decisive sack sealed the outcome. The win brings the Broncos to a 6-2 record, while the Chiefs drop to 5-2 after a chaotic finish.
The Wild Final Seconds at the 1-Yard Line
The contest came down to a frantic final sequence in the closing seconds. Before the game's dramatic conclusion, the Denver defense stuffed star running back Kenneth Walker III on a short-yardage attempt from the 1-yard line. On the very next play with four seconds left, Mahomes threw a would-be go-ahead touchdown pass to Rashee Rice, only for a flag to erase the score due to a false start by offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
Backed up five yards, Kansas City had one final untimed play. Mahomes dropped back to pass once more, but the Denver pass rush broke through and sacked the quarterback to end the game.
“I didn’t see it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said of the penalty. “I saw him move his head, but I didn’t see” a penalty.
Kicker Struggles and Roster Pressure
The narrow defeat also refocuses attention on the recent struggles of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. Since signing a four-year contract extension worth more than a reported $25 million in 2024—following a career where he made 89.1% of his field goals and helped win three Super Bowls—Butker's accuracy dipped to 82%, including going 9-of-19 on attempts from 50 yards or more.
During Sunday's matchup, Butker converted a 45-yard field goal earlier in the game. However, with the Chiefs leading 24-21 with 2:36 left in regulation, he missed a 54-yard attempt that could have extended the lead. That miss allowed Denver to drive 56 yards in just two plays to take a 28-24 advantage, leaving Kansas City with only 116 seconds to attempt a response.
To increase internal competition, Kansas City recently signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad, despite Tucker not having played for more than a year following a suspension for off-field conduct.
Historic Season of Close NFL Games
The thrilling finish in Denver fits a broader trend across the National Football League. Sunday's matchup marked the 71st game of the season decided by one score or less, tying the record for the most through Week 8 since the 1970 merger. Additionally, it became the 35th game of the year featuring a game-winning score in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime, just one shy of the NFL record of 36 through eight weeks.
For Denver, close games have become a familiar specialty. Over the past two seasons, the Broncos boast a 16-2 record in one-score contests, the best mark in the league.
“It has to come from we’ve done it before,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Chiefs vs. Broncos game?
The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 28-24.
Why was the Chiefs' final-second touchdown called back?
The potential game-winning touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Rashee Rice was negated by a false start penalty on offensive tackle Jaylon Moore.
How many one-score games have occurred in the NFL this season?
Through Week 8, there have been 71 games decided by one score or less, tying the record since the 1970 merger.