Broncos Grind Out Ugly, Gritty Win Over Chiefs on Christmas Night
It wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was downright messy at times.
But on a cold Christmas night, the Denver Broncos did what they had to do - they won. And in the NFL, style points don’t count in the standings.
Denver’s 13-3 record now sets up a massive AFC showdown next week at home against the Los Angeles Chargers. But before we look ahead, let’s break down how the Broncos managed to outlast the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that was more about grit than glamour.
First Quarter: A Strong Start, Then a Costly Mistake
Bo Nix came out looking sharp, orchestrating a methodical opening drive that chewed up over eight minutes of clock. The Broncos moved the ball with purpose, but the drive stalled just outside the end zone. Nix’s first incompletion of the night came at an inopportune time - third down in the red zone - forcing Denver to settle for a field goal.
That early 3-0 lead didn’t last long. After the Broncos defense forced a punt, Nix followed with a quick three-and-out capped by a costly interception to Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton. That turnover flipped the field and gave Kansas City prime field position.
The Chiefs capitalized early in the second quarter, punching in a touchdown to take the lead.
End of 1st: Broncos 3, Chiefs 0
Second Quarter: Winning the Stats, Losing the Scoreboard
Denver was dominating the stat sheet - more first downs, more than double the total yardage, and a massive edge in time of possession. But none of that mattered where it counted most: the scoreboard.
The Broncos were 0-for-2 in the red zone in the first half, while the Chiefs were a perfect 1-for-1. That efficiency difference kept Kansas City in front at halftime despite being outplayed for most of the half.
Halftime: Chiefs 7, Broncos 6
Third Quarter: Nix Delivers with His Legs
The Broncos picked up right where they left off - controlling the clock and grinding down the field. The Chiefs opened the second half with a field goal to extend their lead, but Denver answered with a drive that ate up a chunk of the quarter.
Bo Nix capped that possession with a nine-yard touchdown scramble, showing off his mobility and awareness in the red zone. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just move the scoreboard - it energizes a team.
Denver’s defense then forced a quick three-and-out, setting the table for the fourth quarter with the Broncos holding a narrow lead.
End of 3rd: Broncos 13, Chiefs 10
Fourth Quarter: A Wildcat Gamble, a Defensive Stand
The final 15 minutes started with Denver unable to build on their lead. A line-drive punt from Jeremy Crawshaw was returned 49 yards, giving the Chiefs a short field and a chance to tie things up. Harrison Butker nailed a 47-yard field goal, and just like that, we were even again.
But Bo Nix wasn’t done. With just under eight minutes to play, he led a clutch drive that included a key third-and-10 conversion - a strike over the middle to Lil’Jordan Humphrey for 17 yards. That play kept the drive alive and pushed the Broncos into scoring position.
Then came the moment of the night: facing a fourth-and-two at the two-minute warning, Denver lined up in the wildcat with RJ Harvey. The look caused enough confusion to draw Chris Jones offsides - a free first down.
Two goal-line stuffs later, Nix found Harvey for a short touchdown pass from inside the one-yard line. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective.
Up by seven with 1:45 left, Denver’s defense needed one more stand. And though the Chiefs had struggled to move the ball all game, they suddenly came alive in the two-minute drill. In a blink, they were at the Broncos' 21-yard line with 25 seconds left.
But on fourth-and-eight, Denver’s defense came through. One final stop sealed the win.
Final: Broncos 20, Chiefs 13
Takeaway: Ugly, But Effective
This wasn’t a statement win in the traditional sense. The Broncos left points on the board, struggled in the red zone, and gave up big special teams plays. But when it mattered most - in crunch time - they executed.
Bo Nix showed poise in key moments, the defense bent but didn’t break, and Denver once again leaned into its identity: control the clock, play tough defense, and make just enough plays to win.
Now, with the AFC picture coming into focus, the Broncos have a chance to punch their ticket to something bigger. And if they can clean up the red zone inefficiencies, this team might be more dangerous than they look.