Chiefs vs. Broncos Takeaways: Veterans Step Up, Rookies Flash, and a Near-Classic Finish at Arrowhead
Thursday night’s Chiefs-Broncos matchup wasn’t supposed to mean much in the standings - but it ended up meaning a lot to the guys on the field. In a game that had all the makings of a sleepy late-season affair, Kansas City and Denver delivered a scrappy, competitive battle that gave fans a glimpse of the future, a reminder of the past, and a final drive that almost became a storybook ending.
Let’s break down who made an impact in Kansas City’s narrow loss - and who left us wanting more.
Standouts from Thursday Night
Nohl Williams, CB
The rookie out of Cal continues to make a compelling case for more playing time - not just in the future, but right now.
Known for his lockdown ability in coverage, Williams added a new layer to his game against Denver with three tackles for loss, showing off his physicality and instincts in run support. He fought through blocks, diagnosed plays quickly, and made stops behind the line.
This wasn’t just a promising performance - it was a statement. Williams is playing like a guy who deserves every snap he can get.
Bryan Cook, S
In a season where not much has gone according to plan, Cook has quietly been one of the bright spots.
He was all over the field Thursday night, enforcing the middle of the defense and cleaning up plays with authority. He’s emerging as a tone-setter - the kind of player who helps define a defensive identity.
It’s easy to overlook safety play when the team isn’t winning, but Cook’s growth is something the Chiefs can build on.
Kristian Fulton, CB & Nick Bolton, LB
Both had solid individual outings, but their combined effort on one play stole the show.
Late in the first quarter, with the Chiefs trailing 3-0, the defense dialed up pressure. Fulton got a hand on the ball, tipping it into the air, and Bolton - battling through injuries - laid out for a diving interception.
It was the kind of defensive play that sticks in your mind long after the final whistle. For a team still trying to find consistency on that side of the ball, this was a flash of what’s possible.
Chu Godrick & Esa Pole, OT
These two linemen don’t have a ton of experience, and on most depth charts, they’d be considered emergency options.
But on Thursday, they stepped up in a big way. The Chiefs allowed just one sack, committed no false starts or holding penalties, and even opened up some running lanes.
That’s more than you can ask from a pair of developmental tackles - and it’s a credit to their preparation and toughness.
Kareem Hunt, RB
Efficient, physical, and reliable - Hunt once again proved his value in short-yardage situations.
He averaged over five yards per carry, converted when called upon, and brought a veteran presence to the backfield. He’s not the every-down back he once was, but as a situational hammer?
He’s still got it. If Kansas City finds a new lead back in 2026, Hunt already looks like the perfect complement.
Brashard Smith, WR/RB/Returner (a.k.a. Offensive Weapon)
Let’s just go ahead and give Smith the “gadget guy” title heading into next season. He made the most of his touches and delivered one of the game’s biggest plays - a 44-yard punt return that flipped field position and momentum.
He also caught his first NFL touchdown. Whether it’s as a returner, slot receiver, or occasional backfield option, Smith has earned a bigger role.
He brings juice to an offense that’s been searching for a spark.
Chris Oladokun, QB
Thrown into a tough spot as the Chiefs’ third-string quarterback, Oladokun showed poise and playmaking ability.
He didn’t turn the ball over, made plays with his legs, and tossed his first NFL touchdown. The numbers won’t wow you, and the game didn’t end the way he or the team wanted, but Oladokun made the most of his opportunity.
For a guy in his position, that’s all you can ask.
Travis Kelce, TE
At 36, with a Hall of Fame résumé and a full life off the field, Kelce could’ve coasted through this one.
Instead, he played like it was the playoffs. He was the emotional leader of the offense, made tough catches in traffic, and nearly carried the team to a comeback win in the final minutes.
Whether or not this was his Arrowhead farewell, Kelce reminded everyone why he’s still one of the best to ever do it. Passion, precision, leadership - it was all on display.
Who Struggled to Make an Impact
Charles Omenihu, George Karlaftis & Chris Jones, DL
The pass rush just didn’t get home often enough - and it cost the Chiefs.
Denver converted 12 of 19 third- and fourth-down attempts, and when you give up that many long drives, it’s hard to win. Jones had the lone sack of the night, but he also committed a critical offsides penalty on fourth-and-1 late in the game.
That mistake gave the Broncos a fresh set of downs and the chance to extend their lead. Without it, the Chiefs might’ve had a real shot at a game-tying drive.
Jalen Royals, WR
The rookie from Utah State got the start - and then disappeared.
Five snaps, zero targets. It’s been a redshirt year for Royals, but it’s hard to evaluate what he brings if he’s not getting opportunities.
He’s healthy, he’s active, and he’s shown flashes in practice. At some point, the team has to see what they’ve got.
Xavier Worthy, WR
Worthy’s rookie season showed promise, but the sophomore slump has been real.
After scoring nine total touchdowns last year, he’s found the end zone just once in 2025. Against Denver, he had three targets, no catches, and one carry for one yard.
The talent is undeniable - speed, agility, big-play ability - but the production just hasn’t followed. Whether it’s effort, consistency, or chemistry, something’s missing.
The Final Drive: Oladokun & Kelce
Yes, they were both bright spots.
But they were also front and center in the game’s most heartbreaking moment. The Chiefs had a shot at a walk-off win - a go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion in the final seconds.
Kelce helped power the drive, and Oladokun kept it alive with his legs and quick reads. But on fourth down, with the game on the line, Oladokun’s pass to Hollywood Brown in the end zone sailed just out of reach.
That was the ballgame. So close to a classic - but not quite.
Final Word
This one won’t go down in the standings as anything special, but it gave us plenty to chew on.
Veterans like Kelce and Hunt showed they’ve still got gas in the tank. Young players like Williams, Smith, and Oladokun flashed potential.
And the defense, while inconsistent, delivered some highlight-reel moments. It wasn’t a win, but it wasn’t a wasted night either - and for a team looking ahead to 2026, that matters.