The Denver Broncos hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in what critics described, the most important game in the AFC West, on Sunday.
In the week following up to the AFC matchup, those same critics were lambasting Denver’s quarterback Bo Nix for his dismal performance on Thursday night the week before in Denver when the Broncos barely defeated the Las Vegas Raiders.
In that game, Nix was 16 of 28 for 150 yards with two interceptions and 1 touchdown. This week, that same quarterback that critics drug through the mud for over a week outplayed one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Patrick Mahomes, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and eliminating any chance of them winning the division.
The Broncos scored a field goal on their opening drive and another before the end of the quarter taking an early lead. Denver defense held the Chiefs offense to just two field goals and the tie heading into the half. In the third both teams scored touchdowns but it was Denver’s kicker Will Lutz who was the difference connecting on all his kicks including the game winning kick at the end of regulation.
The Broncos now share the top spot in the AFC overall tied with the New England Patriots. Despite Bo Nix’ play in the second half, primarily the fourth quarter where he shines, it was Denver’s defense that was the catalyst for Denver’s win over the Divisions top team for the last decade.
The shift was apparent when Denver walked off with the win while Kansas City players walked off the field, heads low, shoulders slumped over their defeat, a stark contrast to the way they celebrated when they blocked a winning field goal a year prior in Kansas City. Denver defeated Kansas City 22-19.
The Broncos are facing a long needed rest with the bye week coming up and key players looking to use this time to rest and heal before returning to the lineup.
In other Sports the Denver Nuggets lost their first home game of the season to the Chicago Bulls in Denver at Ball Arena on Monday night. The Nugget lead 64-63 at the half but Chicago came out in the third and punched Denver in the face outscoring them 40-29. In the fourth the Nuggets woke up and made it close taking the lead at one point before faltering at the end losing by three, 130-127.
The Nuggets are in New Orleans this week to face the Pelicans before heading to Houston the face the Rockets. Denver will be home this weekend to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
The Colorado Avalanche beat both the Anaheim Ducks and the Vancouver Canucks last week to extend their record to 13-1 with 31 points and riding an 8-game winning streak. The Avs are at home this Thursday to face the New York Rangers at Ball Arena.
