Key Takeaways from Broncos vs Chiefs Player Stats
- The Chiefs’ quarterback efficiency and third-down execution were decisive in swinging momentum.
- Denver generated balanced yardage but struggled with red-zone efficiency and turnover margin.
- Kansas City’s defensive pressure created key negative plays, particularly on third-and-long.
- Explosive plays of 20+ yards were the biggest statistical separator between both teams.
- Time of possession and penalty discipline significantly influenced field position and scoring opportunities.
Game Overview and Final Score
The latest chapter of the Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs rivalry delivered another high-intensity AFC West showdown. With playoff positioning and divisional pride on the line, both teams leaned heavily on their offensive stars and defensive anchors.
Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 27, Denver Broncos 20
Kansas City outscored Denver in the second half behind efficient quarterback play and timely defensive stops. The Broncos kept pace statistically but failed to convert key late drives into touchdowns.
Box Score by Quarter
TeamQ1Q2Q3Q4TotalBroncos373720Chiefs7103727
Kansas City’s 10-point second quarter created the halftime cushion that forced Denver into more aggressive play-calling late in the game.
Complete Player Statistics Breakdown
Passing Leaders
PlayerComp/AttYardsTDINTQBRPatrick Mahomes (KC)28/3931520112.4Broncos QB24/362681191.7
Mahomes demonstrated elite pocket awareness, posting a QBR above 110 while avoiding turnovers. His ability to extend plays added hidden value that does not fully show in traditional stats.
Denver’s quarterback produced solid yardage but the red-zone interception in the third quarter was a pivotal swing in expected points added.
Rushing Leaders
PlayerRushesYardsAverageTDIsiah Pacheco (KC)18965.31Broncos RB16825.11
Both backs averaged over five yards per carry, indicating effective offensive line run blocking. Kansas City, however, leaned on the run in short-yardage situations, converting 4 of 5 third-and-short opportunities.
Receiving Leaders
PlayerReceptionsYardsAverageTDTravis Kelce (KC)911012.21Chiefs WR68714.51Broncos WR179513.61
Kelce remained the matchup problem Denver could not solve, converting three third downs and drawing double coverage on key drives. The Chiefs generated four explosive pass plays of 20+ yards compared to Denver’s two.
Defensive Standouts
PlayerTotal TacklesSacksTFLINTChiefs LB10120Chiefs CB6001Broncos LB11110
The interception by Kansas City’s secondary shifted win probability significantly, halting a potential Denver scoring drive in plus territory.
Team Statistics Comparison
Stat CategoryBroncosChiefsTotal Yards382421Passing Yards268315Rushing Yards114106Turnovers10Time of Possession28:4031:20Third Down Efficiency5/128/13
The third-down gap was decisive. Kansas City extended drives at a 61 percent clip while Denver converted just 42 percent. Sustained drives helped the Chiefs control tempo and limit Denver’s late-game opportunities.
Advanced Metrics and Performance Trends
Quarterback Efficiency
Mahomes posted an Estimated Points Added per play that was significantly positive, driven by explosive completions on second-and-long scenarios. Denver’s quarterback saw his EPA dip sharply after the interception and two third-quarter sacks.
Red Zone Execution
Kansas City converted 3 of 4 red-zone trips into touchdowns. Denver managed just 2 of 4. That single-field-goal difference often proves critical in tightly contested AFC West matchups.
Pressure Rate
The Chiefs generated pressure on over 30 percent of Denver’s dropbacks. Even without multiple sacks, hurried throws contributed to lower completion percentages under duress.
Key Plays That Shaped the Game
- A 38-yard strike to Kelce on third-and-12 that flipped field position.
- The third-quarter interception inside Denver’s scoring range.
- A fourth-quarter touchdown drive engineered in under four minutes, featuring balanced run-pass calls.
- A critical Broncos third-down drop in the final five minutes.
Momentum shifted repeatedly, but explosive efficiency and turnover avoidance ultimately favored Kansas City.
Fantasy Football Impact
Mahomes and Kelce delivered starting-caliber fantasy outputs, particularly in PPR formats. Pacheco’s rushing efficiency and goal-line usage boosted his fantasy value.
Denver’s top wide receiver remained a viable PPR option with seven catches, but the overall ceiling was capped due to limited red-zone volume. The Broncos running back continues to provide stable weekly production given consistent carry counts.
Injury Updates
Both teams exited the matchup with minor in-game injuries but no confirmed long-term absences at key skill positions. Monitoring practice reports later in the week will clarify availability for upcoming divisional games.
What This Means for the AFC West Standings
The result strengthens Kansas City’s divisional positioning and reinforces their offensive consistency against familiar opponents. Denver demonstrated defensive resilience and balanced offense but must improve red-zone and third-down efficiency to challenge elite AFC teams consistently.
As this rivalry continues, statistical margins remain tight. Explosive plays, turnover differential, and situational execution continue to define the Broncos vs Chiefs matchup year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Broncos vs Chiefs Player Stats
What was the final score of the Broncos vs Chiefs game?
The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 27–20 in a close AFC West matchup.
Which stats made the biggest difference in the game outcome?
Quarterback efficiency, third-down conversions, explosive plays of 20+ yards, and winning the turnover battle were the main stats that swung the game toward the Chiefs.
How did Patrick Mahomes perform against the Broncos?
You saw Patrick Mahomes complete 28 of 39 passes for 315 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and a 112.4 QBR, showing efficient and mistake-free play.
Why did the Broncos fall short despite similar total yards?
You gained solid yardage but lost on red-zone efficiency, third-down conversions, and turnovers, including a costly interception in scoring range.
Which players had the biggest fantasy football impact?
Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Isiah Pacheco were strong fantasy starters, while Denver’s top wide receiver and lead running back offered steady, playable production.
How did this game affect the AFC West standings?
The win helped you, as a Chiefs backer, see stronger divisional control, while the Broncos now need better red-zone and third-down results to push for a playoff spot.
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