The Denver Broncos secured a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day, marking their first win in Kansas City since 2015 and only their fourth December win at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The result improves the Broncos’ record to 13-3.
Quarterback Bo Nix led the team with a late touchdown pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey. This performance makes Nix just the fourth quarterback in franchise history to win at Arrowhead in December. He currently leads the NFL in game-winning drives this season.
Denver’s offense controlled the game with several long drives, dominating time of possession and converting 11 out of 18 third downs. The defense limited Kansas City to just 139 total yards and made a critical stop on fourth down late in the game.
A key moment occurred when, with two minutes left and the score tied at 13, Denver faced a fourth-and-2 situation at the Kansas City nine-yard line. Head Coach Sean Payton explained, “We were going to take the penalty [and] kick the field goal. That was the plan.” However, Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones jumped offside, giving Denver a new set of downs.
“Obviously, that changed the complexity of the clock,” Payton said. “That was a big play.”
Three plays later, Nix connected with Harvey for a touchdown from one yard out. Payton described it: “It was covered initially and then he kind of climbed — and then [Harvey’s] got receiver skill sets. I couldn’t see the angle, and I heard the cheer and I just said, ‘Please tell me that’s not an interception.’ It was loud enough that I didn’t know if it was a Kansas City cheer. Fortunately, it was the Bronco cheer. I’m sure it was heck of a throw and catch. To score seven, it greatly changes the dynamic with their kicker. … That greatly changed the outcome of the game that they needed a touchdown.”
The Broncos can clinch the AFC West title if the Chargers lose on Saturday and continue to control their path toward securing home-field advantage as they pursue the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Rookie RJ Harvey became only the third rookie since 1950 to record at least seven rushing touchdowns and five receiving touchdowns in one season—a feat previously accomplished by Gale Sayers and Alvin Kamara.
Guard Quinn Meinerz played an important role by drawing Chris Jones offside during a crucial moment late in the game. Center Alex Forsyth received recognition from Payton after making his first start of this season.
The Broncos also completed their first season sweep of Kansas City since 2014.
