The Denver Broncos triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 on Sunday, thanks to a clutch 35-yard field goal by Wil Lutz as time expired. This victory marks the Broncos” eighth consecutive win, solidifying their position in the AFC West with a record of 9-2. The Chiefs, who have dominated this division since 2016, now sit at 5-5, facing significant challenges ahead.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid”s record following a bye week fell to 27-5, including playoffs and his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. The decisive moment came when Broncos quarterback Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin on a 32-yard pass, advancing the team to the Chiefs” 15-yard line with less than a minute left on the clock.
Patrick Mahomes gave Kansas City its fleeting lead with a touchdown throw to Travis Kelce, marking Kelce”s 84th career touchdown, surpassing the previous franchise record held by Priest Holmes. However, the extra point attempt by Harrison Butker was thwarted when it was blocked by Frank Crum, keeping the score at 19-16.
Wil Lutz tied the game with a 54-yard field goal with just over four minutes remaining. The Denver defense then forced the Chiefs into a three-and-out, highlighted by Ja”Quan McMillian”s sack of Mahomes on third down. The Broncos closed out the game with a 58-yard drive that took 2:59 off the clock, securing their victory and extending their home winning streak at Empower Field to eleven games, a streak that dates back to October 2024.
In other matchups, Mason Rudolph took over for the injured Aaron Rodgers, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Rodgers, the league”s oldest active player at 41, sustained an injury to his left hand during a drive late in the first half and did not return.
The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Arizona Cardinals 41-22 as Brock Purdy returned from injury, throwing three touchdown passes while Christian McCaffrey contributed with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score. McCaffrey”s performance extended his NFL record for games with both a rushing and receiving touchdown to 17.
In Orchard Park, Josh Allen”s remarkable performance led the Buffalo Bills to a 44-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he passed for three touchdowns and rushed for three more. This achievement made him the first player in NFL history to have two games with three rushing and passing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Bryce Young threw for a franchise-record 448 yards in the Carolina Panthers” 30-27 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons, while Riley Patterson”s 28-yard field goal sealed the win. The Miami Dolphins edged out the Washington Commanders 16-13 in another overtime thriller, with Jack Jones” interception setting up the winning field goal.
Finally, the Jacksonville Jaguars rebounded from a previous loss with a decisive 35-6 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, and the Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 16-13, sweeping their divisional rivals this season. The Baltimore Ravens achieved a 23-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns, highlighted by a late touchdown run from tight end Mark Andrews.
The Los Angeles Rams secured their fifth consecutive victory in a narrow 21-19 win against the Seattle Seahawks, with Kamren Kinchens contributing two interceptions to the Rams” defensive efforts.
