How the Broncos beat the Chiefs (in a game more competitive than expected)
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Broncos converted critical third downs and forced Chiefs into defensive lapses.
- Injuries and inactives left Kansas City undermanned across key positions all night.
- Third-down defense allowed 61% conversions, which decided the tight 20-13 loss.
The shorthanded Kansas City Chiefs dropped their fifth straight game on Thursday night, a 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City fell to 6-10 with one game remaining in the 2025 NFL season.
Here are some immediate observations about KC’s Week 17 defeat on Christmas Day:
Turning point: Denver takes control late
The Chiefs were scrappier than anyone anticipated (including yours truly, who predicted a three-score blowout). Midway through the fourth quarter, the game was tied at 13-13.
That’s when the Broncos decided they weren’t about to be upset on Christmas night.
Facing third-and-1 at midfield, running back RJ Harvey juked a charging George Karlaftis to move the chains for the drive’s first third-down conversion.
Then, on third-and-10 at the Kansas City 45, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix took the snap out of the shotgun. KC defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo sent an extra man, which left receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey uncovered in the middle of the field past the first-down marker.
Humphrey gained 17 yards and the first down, putting Denver into field-goal range.
But the true turning point came moments later.
On fourth-and-2 from the Chiefs’ 9-yard line (in a situation where Denver was unlikely to actually run the play), Harvey lined up for a direct snap. Fullback Adam Prentice motioned across the formation, and as he did, Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones jumped offsides.
First down. Game-winning touchdown to follow.
Rapid reaction: Give them credit — playing for nothing, the Chiefs still showed up
In the days leading up to Thursday, the Chiefs placed receiver Rashee Rice and cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on injured reserve. They joined linebacker Leo Chenal and O-lineman Jawaan Taylor on the list.
Before the game, the team announced defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and O-lineman Jaylon Moore would be inactive. Undermanned is an understatement.
Despite that, Kansas City played with genuine effort, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Nick Bolton flew around all night. He teamed with Kristian Fulton on a key interception that led to the Chiefs’ only touchdown in the first quarter.
Jones broke through for a sack that forced a punt. The Kansas City secondary held Pro Bowl receiver Courtland Sutton to just 40 yards.
Once again, the issue was third downs. The Chiefs entered the night with a bottom-five third-down defense (57% allowed), and that number actually worsened Thursday. Denver converted 61% — ultimately the story of the game.
But with that said, who was on the field? At least the guys who played showed enough effort to give third-string Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun a chance.
And on that side, Oladokun did what he could. He wasn’t flashy, but he kept KC alive late, with a legitimate opportunity to put together a game-tying two-minute drive.
Oladokun also threw his first career touchdown pass — a moment he will forever share with the first career touchdown reception by teammate Brashard Smith. Smith, the KC running back, made a crafty move early to get in the end zone.
This was always going to take a Christmas miracle, and the Chiefs came up just short.
Critical stat: Under .500 in the AFC West for the first time in 12 years
With Thursday’s loss, the Chiefs fell to 1–4 in the AFC West, guaranteeing a sub-.500 divisional record for the first time since 2013.
This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM.
