Broncos Score 15 Unanswered Points to Overtake Chiefs 28-24

The Denver Broncos scored fifteen unanswered points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on Sunday. The final score reversed a 24-13 deficit that Kansas City held with just over thirteen minutes left in the game.

Patrick Mahomes completed passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns for the Chiefs. However, the Broncos closed the game with two touchdown drives and a goal line stand in the final seconds. This result gives Denver a half-game lead in the AFC West standings with ten games remaining in the 2026 regular season.

Rashee Rice caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes with 6:04 remaining in the first half. That score extended the Chiefs' lead to 7-3. Harrison Butker kicked a 45-yard field goal just before halftime to make it 17-13.

Rookie running back Emmett Johnson was the standout performer for Kansas City in the first half. The Nebraska product had no rushing carries but recorded three receptions for 119 yards. His 73-yard touchdown reception marked his first career score. A 38-yard reception near the end of the first half positioned Butker for the field goal that capped the half.

Head coach Andy Benavidez made a personnel change at left guard, starting Mike Caliendo over Kingsley Suamataia. It was the second time this season Kansas City made that substitution. Benavidez later decided to punt on fourth and inches while leading 24-13. The Broncos advanced from the spot of the punt and scored a touchdown with a two-point conversion to cut the margin to three points.

Butker finished the game 3-for-3 on extra points but missed a 54-yard field goal attempt in the final minutes. The Chiefs will return to Kansas City next Sunday for a noon matchup against the New York Jets.