Broncons Take AFC West Lead After Late Surge

Denver claimed the AFC West lead after a fourth-quarter rally against Kansas City.

The Broncos trailed 24-13 with 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter but closed with two touchdown drives and a goal-line stop. The final score was 28-24 in favor of Denver at Mile High Stadium.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 321 yards of passing and threw three touchdowns. Wide receiver Rashee Rice caught an 11-yard touchdown pass with 6:04 left in the first half. That was Mahomes' first touchdown pass in nearly a month. Rookie running back Emmett Johnson had no rushing carries in the first 30 minutes but finished with three receptions for 119 yards. Johnson's 73-yard touchdown reception was his first career score. His 38-yard catch near halftime set up Harrison Butker's 45-yard field goal, giving the Chiefs a 17-13 halftime lead.

Head coach Andy Reid benched left guard Kingsley Suamataia for Mike Caliendo on the opening possession. This marked the second time this season Caliendo started in Suamataia's place. Reid previously attributed the Week 4 change against the Raiders to disciplinary reasons. Later in the game, Reid punted on fourth and inches while leading 24-13. Denver advanced from the punt spot and scored a touchdown with a two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to three points.

Butker converted his only field goal attempt from 45 yards out and made all three extra points. He missed a 54-yard field goal attempt in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. The miss continued his struggles from long range this season.

Kansas City returns home next Sunday for a noon kickoff against the New York Jets. The Jets currently hold a 2-6 record.