Lead: On Nov. 16, 2025 in Denver, a pivotal Week 11 AFC West matchup between the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (8-2) and the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) unfolded with big playoff implications. By halftime the game was deadlocked 6-6 after both teams settled for field goals amid strong defensive displays and missed offensive chances. Key contributors included Denver’s special-teams spark from Marvin Mims Jr., Wil Lutz’s field-goal work, and several pressure plays on Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix. Late in the fourth quarter the contest finally opened up with multiple touchdowns and an important lead change, setting up a tense finish.
Key takeaways
- The halftime score was 6-6, with both teams settling for field goals and defenses dominating early.
- Denver improved to 8-2 in the standings; Kansas City entered the game 5-4 but trailed in the first half momentum-wise.
- Wil Lutz connected on a 38-yard field goal to put Denver ahead 16-13 late in the game.
- Marvin Mims Jr. returned a punt 70 yards to set Denver up at the 11-yard line early in the game.
- Patrick Mahomes was pressured repeatedly: he was sacked twice and, at one point, was 17-for-24 for 125 yards overall in the live report; deep targets were missed, including an overshot throw to Xavier Worthy.
- Bo Nix had an up-and-down day but produced a 48-yard play to Pat Bryant and a 35-yard completion to Troy Franklin during a late drive.
- Kareem Hunt finished a key scoring sequence with a touchdown following a 61-yard Mahomes-to-Tyquan Thornton connection.
- Inactives and injuries shaped roster availability: Isiah Pacheco (knee) was out for the Chiefs; Patrick Surtain II remained out for Denver and J.K. Dobbins is on IR.
Background
The Broncos entered Week 11 as the AFC West leader at 8-2. Kansas City, the nine-time consecutive division champion, came in at 5-4 trying to close ground and extend its streak of West titles. The rivalry has been defined recently by Kansas City’s offensive consistency under Patrick Mahomes and Denver’s improved defensive identity under its current coaching staff. This matchup added narrative weight because the Chiefs were returning from a bye with statistical trends — notably Andy Reid’s 22-4 post-bye record — and Denver’s defense had been among the league’s stingiest units.
Injuries and availability have been factors all season. Denver has been without J.K. Dobbins (IR) and still lacked cornerback Patrick Surtain II due to a shoulder issue; Kansas City ruled out running back Isiah Pacheco with a knee problem. Those absences affected game plans: Denver leaned on smaller-ball packages and backup running options, while Kansas City faced questions about how much to commit to the ground game despite efficient per-carry numbers for Kareem Hunt in the first half.
Main event
The first half was a defensive chess match. Denver took the opening possession into the red zone but stalled after pressure produced two sacks of Bo Nix and an R.J. Harvey trick-pass nearly resulted in an interception. Kansas City, meanwhile, moved methodically at times but saw several downfield chances fall incomplete or overshot early, including a misfire to Xavier Worthy.
Momentum swung on special teams: Marvin Mims Jr.’s 70-yard punt return put the Broncos at the 11-yard line, yet Denver again came away with only a short Wil Lutz field goal. Kansas City’s scoring in the first half was also from the kicking game — Harrison Butker converted a long-range effort after penalties and stalled drives.
The game opened in the fourth quarter. After over 40 minutes without a touchdown, Tyquan Thornton broke loose on a 61-yard Mahomes connection on third-and-7 that sprung a scoring drive capped by Kareem Hunt’s touchdown run. Denver responded late in that sequence when Jahleel McLaughlin powered in from four yards to put the Broncos back in front on a drive that featured efficient throws from Nix.
There was a turnover earlier when Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Mahomes; the return was negated by an illegal blindside-block penalty. Later plays included a 48-yard completion to Pat Bryant — followed by the rookie’s brief on-field injury — and crucial pass interference called on Riley Moss that extended a Kansas City possession.
Analysis & implications
Defensive dominance in the early stages forced both offenses to operate with conservative efficiency rather than explosive playmaking. Mahomes’ live-line numbers — pressured frequently and limited to modest yardage through the first three quarters — suggest Denver’s pass rush and coverage packages were effective at dictating the quarterback’s timing and downfield opportunities. For Kansas City, the missed deep connections reduced the immediate need to open the playbook; instead, they relied on methodical drives and occasional successful runs.
Denver’s offense showed flashes when they committed to play-action and vertical shots, but sacks and stalled red-zone drives indicate room for improvement against top-tier front sevens. The Broncos’ ability to turn a special-teams swing into scoring chances (even if only field goals early) highlights their complementary-game value in tight contests. If Denver can consistently finish drives, their defensive strength could carry them deep into the postseason.
For Kansas City, the relative underuse of the run despite effective per-carry production (Kareem Hunt averaged nearly five yards per rush through the first half) raises questions about in-game play-calling decisions. With Isiah Pacheco out, sustaining the ground attack falls more heavily on Hunt; continued success in that phase could force Denver to adjust personnel and open up passing lanes for Mahomes. Strategically, Andy Reid’s strong post-bye record suggests the Chiefs will continue to seek mismatch-driven plays late in halves.
Comparison & data
| Team | Halftime Score | Passing (Yds) | Sacks | Big Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | 6 | Bo Nix 10/15, 80 yards (midgame) | Nix took 2 sacks (first half) | Mims Jr. 70-yd PR |
| Chiefs | 6 | Patrick Mahomes 17/24, 125 yards (live) | Mahomes sacked 2 times (midgame) | PI on Riley Moss (40-yd penalty) |
The table captures in-game snapshots: Denver’s passing yardage was constrained relative to attempts, and both quarterbacks absorbed pressure. The two-sack totals for each signal how pass rush influenced route depth and timing. The large special-teams and penalty plays were among the game’s true swing factors, compensating for limited offensive touchdowns through much of the contest.
Reactions & quotes
Pacheco (knee) was ruled out for this game, limiting Kansas City’s planned rotation in the backfield.
Chiefs official inactives report
Patrick Surtain II remains out with a shoulder injury and did not suit up for Denver.
Broncos official inactives report
Andy Reid’s 22-4 post-bye record is a reminder that Kansas City often finds a second-week surge after time off.
CBS Sports game commentary
Unconfirmed
- Kareem Hunt’s full availability for late-game sequences remained uncertain after appearing in some pain on the sideline; official status updates were pending.
- The long-term impact of Pat Bryant’s in-game injury was not confirmed at the time of the live report; team medical updates were expected postgame.
- Whether Kansas City would shift to a heavier run commitment in the second half was unconfirmed and subject to the coaches’ game-plan adjustments.
Bottom line
This contest underscored how two contrasting identities — Denver’s defense-first approach versus Kansas City’s offensive pedigree — collide in meaningful ways for the AFC West. Through three quarters the game was a defensive thriller in which special teams and penalties produced the biggest swings rather than consistent offensive touchdowns. Denver’s ability to generate pressure and change field position has positioned them well, but closing out in the red zone will be essential to convert advantage into wins.
For Kansas City, getting Mahomes more clean pockets and reintroducing a reliable ground game with Kareem Hunt would alleviate the strain on deep passing and could flip late-game dynamics. With both teams still fighting for divisional leverage, the tactical adjustments made in the final minutes — and the health statuses that follow — will shape each club’s next steps in the playoff chase.