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See our KC Star coverage from the Kansas City Chiefs' loss to the Denver Broncos

The Kansas City Chiefs lost an important road game to the Denver Broncos. The pass defense was a concern, and special teams continued to be problematic for KC, including miscues from kicker Harrison Butker.

Patrick Mahomes shouldered much of the blame for the loss, but it's clear the Chiefs have a bigger problem right now: The team is 5-5 with seven regular-season games to play. KC is not yet in playoff position, and the AFC West race appears close to over with the Chiefs dropping so many close games already.

Do the Chiefs have time to get it figured out? See our coverage and analysis from the game in Denver.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left, hugs Broncos QB Bo Nix after an NFL Week 11 game at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 1: HOW THE CHIEFS HAVE LOST THEIR MAGIC — AND IN THE MOST CONFOUNDING OF WAYS

The football rested at the 26-yard-line, and from the east sideline emerged Patrick Mahomes, jogging onto the field before stopping to snap his right chinstrap and then his left. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, right, eludes the grasp of a helmetless Broncos defender during an NFL Week 11 game at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 2: FIVE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT ABOUT THE CHIEFS’ CRUSHING LOSS TO THE BRONCOS

The 2024 magic has transformed into the 2025 nightmare. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sam McDowell

Broncos running back RJ Harvey carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL Week 11 game at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 3: CHIEFS REPORT CARD: MISTAKES IN PASS DEFENSE, SPECIAL TEAMS WERE CRUSHING

The Chiefs fell to the Denver Broncos 22-19 Sunday on Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal on the game’s final play. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, left, looks to pass during an NFL Week 11 game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 4: THIRD AND LONG SHOULD BE TO CHIEFS’ DEFENSIVE ADVANTAGE, BUT IT’S NOT. HERE’S WHY

The Chiefs, stunningly, had picked up one first down in two possessions after taking a three-point lead over the Broncos with about 10 minutes remaining on Sunday. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, left, speaks with NFL down judge Derick Bowers during a Week 11 game against the Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Jamie Schwaberow

NO. 5: THE CHIEFS’ GREATEST STRENGTH HAS BECOME A FLAW AMID KANSAS CITY’S FALL TO 5-5

As Denver’s Will Lutz lined up for a would-be game-winning 35-yard field goal last season in Kansas City, the Chiefs were amid a preposterous run of conjuring late-game magic. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes slides as Broncos defender Ja'Quan McMillian closes in during an NFL Week 11 game at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 6: CHIEFS LOSE TO BRONCOS ON LAST-SECOND FIELD GOAL: REACTION FROM DEFEAT IN DENVER

The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19 on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High stadium. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Sweeney

Broncos receiver Troy Franklin, right, hauls in a long pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kristian Fulton during an NFL Week 11 game against the Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. By Justin Edmonds

NO. 7: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SAY THEY’LL STICK TOGETHER BECAUSE THE TIME TO WIN IS NOW

The last time the Kansas City Chiefs sat at 5-5 through 10 games was a decade ago, before Patrick Mahomes had ever taken an NFL snap. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Sweeney

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.