Introduction
The Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs met in a critical AFC West showdown on November 16 2025. Both teams entered the contest with strong playoff aspirations, making this game crucial for positioning in the division. The Broncos, led by their new quarterback Russell Wilson, have shown promise in recent weeks, while the Chiefs, powered by Patrick Mahomes, remain one of the top teams in the league.
This game, while highly anticipated, was also a test of strength in the AFC West, with both teams knowing that every victory counts in the competitive division. As expected, the game was filled with intense moments, stellar individual performances, and pivotal plays that would ultimately decide the outcome.
Game Summary
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-24 in a highly competitive game. Patrick Mahomes threw for over 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking ability and maintaining his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson, though effective, struggled to maintain consistency in the second half, particularly after an interception late in the game.
The Chiefs’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Mahomes distributing the ball effectively to his top receivers, including Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. On the other hand, the Broncos, despite a solid game from Wilson and a strong defensive performance, couldn’t overcome key turnovers and missed opportunities, ultimately falling short in the final moments.
| Category | Denver Broncos | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Final Score | 24 | 31 |
| Total Yards | 380 | 430 |
| Passing Yards | 250 | 320 |
| Rushing Yards | 130 | 110 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Penalties | 4 | 5 |
| Sacks Allowed | 3 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 28:30 | 31:30 |
The Chiefs outgained the Broncos by 50 yards and controlled the game with a solid passing game and efficient use of the running back committee. Despite their efforts, the Broncos couldn’t overcome critical mistakes, especially in the red zone.
Quarterback Performance
Denver Broncos – Russell Wilson
| Statistic | Value |
| Completions | 23 |
| Attempts | 36 |
| Yards | 250 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Passer Rating | 88.3 |
Russell Wilson had a strong first half, connecting on 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards and 2 touchdowns. His ability to move the ball efficiently kept the Broncos in the game. However, the second half saw a dip in production, especially after a key interception in the 4th quarter, which allowed the Chiefs to gain momentum and extend their lead.
Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes
| Statistic | Value |
| Completions | 28 |
| Attempts | 39 |
| Yards | 320 |
| Touchdowns | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 112.2 |
Patrick Mahomes showcased his elite ability to distribute the ball, finishing with 320 yards and 3 touchdowns. He spread the wealth between Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Mecole Hardman, making it difficult for the Broncos to predict where the ball would go next. Mahomes’ ability to extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws under pressure was a key factor in the Chiefs’ win.
Rushing Statistics
Denver Broncos – Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Carry |
| Melvin Gordon | 14 | 75 | 1 | 5.4 |
| Javonte Williams | 11 | 55 | 0 | 5.0 |
Melvin Gordon had a solid game, rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown. The Broncos ran the ball effectively, averaging 4.9 yards per carry as a team. However, their inability to establish a consistent ground game late in the game, with the Chiefs focusing on stopping the run, limited their offensive options.
Kansas City Chiefs – Rushing Stats
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Carry |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 13 | 55 | 1 | 4.2 |
| Darrel Williams | 7 | 35 | 0 | 5.0 |
Clyde Edwards-Helaire had a decent game, rushing for 55 yards and a touchdown. Despite being somewhat contained by the Broncos’ defense, the Chiefs used their running backs in combination with the passing game to keep the Broncos‘ defense on its heels. Williams also contributed with a solid 35-yard performance.
Receiving Leaders
Denver Broncos – Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Courtland Sutton | 7 | 90 | 1 |
| Jerry Jeudy | 6 | 75 | 0 |
| Tim Patrick | 5 | 55 | 1 |
Courtland Sutton was the primary target for Russell Wilson, recording 7 receptions for 90 yards and 1 touchdown. Jerry Jeudy also contributed with 75 yards on 6 receptions, but the Broncos’ passing game was limited due to the Chiefs’ defense, especially in the second half.
Kansas City Chiefs – Receiving Stats
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
| Tyreek Hill | 9 | 130 | 1 |
| Travis Kelce | 6 | 80 | 1 |
| Mecole Hardman | 5 | 65 | 1 |
Tyreek Hill was the standout performer for the Chiefs, catching 9 passes for 130 yards and 1 touchdown. Travis Kelce added another solid game with 80 yards and a touchdown, while Mecole Hardman made key plays to stretch the field, contributing with 65 yards and 1 touchdown.
Defensive Standouts
Kansas City Chiefs – Defensive Stats
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
| Chris Jones | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Tyrann Mathieu | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Frank Clark | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Chris Jones and Frank Clark were pivotal in pressuring Russell Wilson, accounting for 3 sacks between them. Tyrann Mathieu contributed in coverage, making a key interception that shifted the momentum in the second half. The Chiefs‘ defensive line dominated the Broncos’ offensive line, allowing Wilson little time to set up plays.
Denver Broncos – Defensive Stats
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
| Von Miller | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bradley Chubb | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Justin Simmons | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Von Miller continued to lead the Broncos’ pass rush, recording 2 sacks, while Bradley Chubb added a key sack and forced fumble. Justin Simmons contributed with an interception, but the Broncos’ defense struggled to contain Mahomes in the second half, allowing the Chiefs to exploit gaps in coverage.
Special Teams Battle
Kicking Stats
| Player | Field Goals Made | Field Goals Attempted | Extra Points Made | Extra Points Attempted |
| Brandon McManus (DEN) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Harrison Butker (KC) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Brandon McManus was perfect on the day for the Broncos, making all of his field goals and extra points. Harrison Butker for the Chiefs also performed well, but his field goals were limited compared to McManus’ contributions.
Returns and Punting
| Player | Kick Returns | Punt Returns | Punts | Yards Per Punt | Longest Punt |
| KJ Hamler (DEN) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 46.5 | 52 |
| Mecole Hardman (KC) | 3 | 1 | 5 | 45.0 | 50 |
KJ Hamler provided excellent return yardage for the Broncos, while Mecole Hardman made crucial returns for the Chiefs. However, the punting game was relatively even, with both teams maintaining decent field position.
Box Score Breakdown
| Player | Stat |
| Total Yards | 380 (DEN) |
| Passing Yards | 250 (DEN) |
| Rushing Yards | 130 (DEN) |
| Turnovers | 2 (DEN) |
Game Highlights
- Tyreek Hill’s 75-yard touchdown reception gave the Chiefs an early lead.
- Russell Wilson’s interception in the fourth quarter sealed the Raiders‘ fate.
- Von Miller’s sack in the second quarter was a key defensive play for the Broncos.
Division Race Shifts
This win for the Chiefs gives them a crucial lead in the AFC West, with a 7-3 record. The Broncos, now 5-5, are still in the hunt but need to win their next few games to stay in the playoff race.
What Decided It
The Chiefs’ defense, especially their ability to pressure Russell Wilson, and Mahomes’s ability to find success in the passing game, were the key factors in this victory. The Broncos couldn’t capitalize on their early lead, and their second-half struggles ultimately decided the game.
Playoff Picture
The Chiefs remain firmly in control of the AFC West and look poised to make a deep playoff run, while the Broncos now face an uphill battle for a wildcard spot. The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams as they continue their push for the postseason.
Final Thought
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-24 victory over the Denver Broncos on November 16, 2025, was a clear display of what it takes to win in the AFC West. Patrick Mahomes showed once again why he’s considered one of the best in the league, throwing for over 300 yards and leading the Chiefs to victory with key passing plays that stretched the Broncos’ defense. On the defensive side, the Chiefs applied relentless pressure on Russell Wilson, forcing him into mistakes and ultimately intercepting him late in the game to seal the victory.
The Broncos, while showing flashes of brilliance with Russell Wilson’s efficiency and strong performances from Von Miller and the defense, could not capitalize on their early advantage. Turnovers, missed opportunities, and a lack of consistency in the second half were their undoing. Despite strong efforts from Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, they failed to finish drives and contain Mahomes.
For the Chiefs, this win solidifies their position atop the AFC West, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. The Broncos, now with a 5-5 record, face a tough challenge ahead. If they can eliminate mistakes and find a more balanced offensive attack, they could still remain in the playoff hunt.
(FAQs)
1. What was the key factor in the Chiefs’ victory?
The Chiefs’ defense was the key to their win. They applied constant pressure on Russell Wilson, forcing turnovers and making crucial stops when needed.
2. How did Patrick Mahomes perform in this game?
Patrick Mahomes threw for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Chiefs’ offense with precision and making key plays under pressure to maintain control of the game.
3. Why did the Broncos struggle to win?
The Broncos struggled due to turnovers, missed red-zone opportunities, and an inability to maintain consistency, especially in the second half when the Chiefs took over.
4. What role did the Broncos’ defense play in the game?
The Broncos’ defense played well but couldn’t stop Mahomes in critical moments. They pressured him but struggled to limit big plays, especially after halftime.
5. How does this result affect the AFC West playoff race?
This victory keeps the Chiefs in control of the AFC West, while the Broncos now face an uphill battle. The Broncos will need to regroup and improve their offensive consistency if they are to make the playoffs.
