In a heart-stopping finish, the Kansas City Chiefs narrowly defeated the Denver Broncos to extend their winning streak to 15 games and improve to 9-0 on the season. The defending Super Bowl champions joined elite company, becoming only the fifth team in NFL history to start 9-0 after winning the championship the previous year.
A Game of Inches
The Chiefs took a slim lead late in the fourth quarter on a Harrison Butker field goal. But the Broncos, led by quarterback Bo Nix, marched down the field, converting three third downs to set up kicker Wil Lutz for a potential game-winner.
That’s when the Chiefs’ defense stepped up. Linebacker Leo Chenal burst through the line and got a hand on Lutz’s 35-yard attempt, preserving the victory as time expired. As a source close to the team described it:
It was a huge play by Leo. That’s the kind of effort and execution we need in those critical moments. This team just finds a way to win, even when it’s not pretty.
Mahomes Grinds It Out
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn’t at his MVP-level best, but still managed to pass for 266 yards and a touchdown. On a day when the offense struggled to find a rhythm, Mahomes’ leadership and toughness stood out. A teammate offered this perspective:
Pat’s a competitor, man. Even when things aren’t clicking, he stays positive and keeps battling. That attitude rubs off on the whole team.
Chasing History
The win not only kept the Chiefs’ perfect season alive, but also matched the best start in franchise history. The team’s 15-game winning streak dating back to last year is the longest in the NFL since the Green Bay Packers won 19 straight in 2010-11.
While the ultimate goal remains a second straight Super Bowl title, the Chiefs are well aware of the historical significance of their streak. As one coach put it:
We don’t talk about it much, but the guys understand what’s at stake. To be mentioned alongside some of those great teams of the past is special. We just have to stay focused on the process and keep improving each week.
Other Notable Results
Around the rest of the league:
- The Minnesota Vikings held the Jacksonville Jaguars to just 143 yards in a 12-7 win
- Bears QB Caleb Williams was sacked 9 times in a 19-3 loss to the Patriots
- Eddy Pineiro’s overtime FG lifted the Panthers over the Giants 20-17 in Germany
Looking Ahead
The road to perfection won’t get any easier for the Chiefs, who face a tough matchup with their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers next week. The Broncos, meanwhile, will try to regroup as they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
With seven weeks left in the regular season, the pressure will only intensify on Kansas City. But if their thrilling win over Denver is any indication, this is a team that thrives when the stakes are highest. As one longtime Chiefs observer summed it up:
They just have that championship DNA. No matter the situation, they believe they’re going to find a way. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the league.
Indeed, the Chiefs’ quest for an undefeated season and back-to-back titles promises to be one of the most compelling storylines down the stretch. Will they make history or will an opponent finally find a way to knock them from their perch? The football world will be watching intently to find out.
The win not only kept the Chiefs’ perfect season alive, but also matched the best start in franchise history. The team’s 15-game winning streak dating back to last year is the longest in the NFL since the Green Bay Packers won 19 straight in 2010-11.
While the ultimate goal remains a second straight Super Bowl title, the Chiefs are well aware of the historical significance of their streak. As one coach put it:
We don’t talk about it much, but the guys understand what’s at stake. To be mentioned alongside some of those great teams of the past is special. We just have to stay focused on the process and keep improving each week.
Other Notable Results
Around the rest of the league:
- The Minnesota Vikings held the Jacksonville Jaguars to just 143 yards in a 12-7 win
- Bears QB Caleb Williams was sacked 9 times in a 19-3 loss to the Patriots
- Eddy Pineiro’s overtime FG lifted the Panthers over the Giants 20-17 in Germany
Looking Ahead
The road to perfection won’t get any easier for the Chiefs, who face a tough matchup with their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers next week. The Broncos, meanwhile, will try to regroup as they host the Las Vegas Raiders.
With seven weeks left in the regular season, the pressure will only intensify on Kansas City. But if their thrilling win over Denver is any indication, this is a team that thrives when the stakes are highest. As one longtime Chiefs observer summed it up:
They just have that championship DNA. No matter the situation, they believe they’re going to find a way. That’s a scary proposition for the rest of the league.
Indeed, the Chiefs’ quest for an undefeated season and back-to-back titles promises to be one of the most compelling storylines down the stretch. Will they make history or will an opponent finally find a way to knock them from their perch? The football world will be watching intently to find out.
