Bo Nix Helps Broncos Outlast Chiefs on Christmas Night to Stay on Top of AFC

Overview

The Denver Broncos survived a tough Christmas night test against the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a 20–13 road victory. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix delivered a late game winning drive to keep Denver atop the AFC standings and on track for their first AFC West title since 2015.

Bo Nix celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Chiefs on Christmas night.
Image Source: Instagram/@bonix10 —Edited & Modified by Us

The Denver Broncos may not have looked dominant but they did what mattered most they won.

Behind a calm and patient performance from quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos escaped Arrowhead Stadium with a 20–13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night. The result lifted Denver to 13–3 and kept them firmly in control of both the AFC West and the race for the conference top playoff seed.

A Game That Stayed Close Longer Than Expected

Kansas City entered the game already eliminated from playoff contention and missing its top quarterbacks. With Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew sidelined by season ending knee injuries, rookie Chris Oladokun made his first career NFL start.

Despite limited experience, Oladokun played with composure early.

Chiefs Start Strong Behind Oladokun

Oladokun completed just five passes for 27 yards in the first half but he avoided mistakes and kept drives alive when needed. He connected with Brashard Smith for a 5 yard touchdown in the second quarter, helping the Chiefs take a narrow halftime lead.

Meanwhile, Denver struggled to finish drives and settled for field goals, keeping the contest tight.

Broncos Take Control with a Long Third Quarter Drive

The momentum shifted after halftime.

Denver opened the third quarter with a 14 play drive that consumed nearly 10 minutes of game time. Nix capped it himself, scrambling into the end zone from nine yards out to give the Broncos the lead.

By then, Denver had doubled Kansas City time of possession a key factor in wearing down the Chiefs defense.

However, the game was far from over.

Butker Keeps Kansas City Alive

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker tied the score early in the fourth quarter with a 47 yard field goal, setting up a tense finish.

Nix Delivers the Winning Drive

With the game tied and time ticking away, Nix led another patient, clock draining drive. Facing fourth down inside the red zone the Broncos benefited from a Chiefs offsides penalty, extending the possession.

A few plays later Nix found RJ Harvey in the back of the end zone for the decisive touchdown, putting Denver ahead for good.

Kansas City had one final chance, and Oladokun moved the ball with help from Travis Kelce, but the Chiefs could not convert in the red zone.

Player Performances

Broncos

• Bo Nix: 26 of 38 passing, 182 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 43 rushing yards and a rushing TD
• RJ Harvey: 43 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown
• Courtland Sutton: 4 catches, 40 yards

Chiefs

• Chris Oladokun: 13 of 22 passing, 66 yards, 1 TD
• Kareem Hunt: 38 rushing yards
• Travis Kelce: 5 catches, 36 yards

The Chiefs dropped to 6–10, extending their losing streak to five games.

What This Means for the AFC Race

The Broncos remain in position to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs depending on other results this weekend. Denver can also lock up the AFC West if the Houston Texans defeat the Los Angeles Chargers. Otherwise, the division title will be decided in Denver next week.

While the offense wasn’t explosive Denver proved they can win close pressure filled games a trait that matters most in January.

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