Denver Broncos defeated Kansas City Chiefs 20 to 13 in a match held on the day of Natal, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City, Missouri. The victory guaranteed the Denver team its 13th victory in the 2025 regular season, consolidating its leadership in the AFC West and bringing the team closer to the division title. Bo Nix, quarterback of the Broncos, was decisive in commanding long drives and scoring crucial touchdowns in the final moments of the game. Apesar of the injuries affecting Chiefs, including the absence of Patrick Mahomes, the home team offered resistance until the final seconds.
Broncos opened the scoring in the first quarter with a field goal, but saw Chiefs turn it around in the second quarter after Brashard Smith’s touchdown. The Denver defense limited the opposing offense, allowing few total yards before the Chiefs’s last possession. In the third quarter, Nix ran for a touchdown, putting Broncos back ahead. The match remained even until the fourth quarter, when a defensive penalty helped Denver seal the result.
- Long drives marked the Broncos’s strategy, with possessions that consumed precious minutes of the clock.
- The defense intercepted opportunities and forced mistakes, maintaining control of the game.
- RJ Harvey contributed a late touchdown reception.
Got it done.
—Denver Broncos (@Broncos)December 26, 2025
We#BeatTheChiefs! pic.twitter.com/dlvKeqy4Ka
Decision in the final minutes
Bo Nix completed a 1-yard pass to RJ Essa play came after an offsides penalty by Chris Jones, which granted automatic first down to Denver. The defense then held off the final advance of the Chiefs, with Chris Oladokun in command of the attack. Oladokun, in his first match as a starter, showed composure, but did not avoid defeat.
The Broncos controlled the time of possession, executing drives of 14 and 16 plays that resulted in points. Nix also scored a 9-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. The victory marked the first sweep over Chiefs since 2015.
Absence of Mahomes impacts Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes did not play due to a knee injury suffered weeks earlier, as did backup Gardner Minshew. Chris Oladokun took over and completed key passes to Travis Kelce on the final drive. Os Chiefs finished with few offensive yards, reflecting the limitations without their star quarterbacks. The team has had a difficult season, with early elimination from the playoffs.
Kelce, in a possible final game at home, recorded key receptions. Kansas City’s defense forced stagnation in Denver’s drives at various times.
Consolidated campaign of the Broncos
With 13 wins and 3 losses, the Broncos lead the AFC and could clinch the division with a defeat by the Chargers in the next round. The team faces Los Angeles Chargers in week 18, at home. Bo Nix accumulated passing and rushing yards, demonstrating maturity in an away game. The victory reinforces Denver’s position as one of the best campaigns in the conference.
The defense allowed few points, even on the opposing field. The team swept its divisional rival for the first time in a decade.
Individual highlights in the confrontation
Bo RJ Harvey scored the decisive touchdown and contributed in the ground game. Courtland Sutton led receptions for Broncos. Do alongside Chiefs, Travis Kelce and Kareem Hunt were the main targets in the limited attack.
- Nix converted crucial fourth downs.
- Harvey caught his 12th touchdown of the season.
- The offensive line protected well in key moments.
Next steps in the season
The Broncos await the result of the Chargers to define the AFC West title. A victory in the final week guarantees an advantage in the playoffs. Os Chiefs end the season against a divisional opponent, with no chance of postseason. The match at Natal highlighted the resilience of Denver in a hostile environment.
Sean Payton’s team recovered from a recent defeat. The focus is now on the AFC’s number 1 seed.
Context of divisional rivalry
Denver hasn’t won in Arrowhead since 2015, breaking a negative streak against Chiefs. The rivalry gained a new chapter with the season sweep. Os Broncos position themselves as contenders, while Kansas City faces reconstruction after injuries. The game attracted attention due to its festive date and implications for the table.
Both teams played with intensity despite the differences in campaigns. The NFL closed the Natal tripleheader with a balanced match.
