Chiefs and Broncos Clash for AFC West Lead Sunday
Kansas City leads the division by half a game, but a Denver win would flip the tiebreaker and the standings.
By Trevor Wilson ·
The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos meet Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High for a game that will decide the lead in the AFC West.
Kansas City holds a 5-1 record, while Denver is 5-2. The Chiefs won their first meeting of the season 31-10 in Week 1. A victory for Kansas City would extend their lead to 1.5 games and secure the head-to-head tiebreaker. Denver would gain a half-game lead if they win, setting up a closer race for the division title.
The two teams have controlled the AFC West for 16 consecutive seasons. The Broncos won the division from 2011 to 2015 and again in the previous season. The Chiefs won nine straight titles from 2016 to 2024. This season, both teams have separated themselves from the Las Vegas Raiders and the winless Los Angeles Chargers.
Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey called the Chiefs a litmus test for the league. "They're a great team, are at the top of the league again," McGlinchey said. "A great challenge for us. And I'm super excited for it."
Key matchups will determine the outcome. The Chiefs rely on running back Kenneth Walker III, who has made defenders miss. Right tackle Jaylon Moore and receiver Rashee Rice are expected back from injury. Denver aims to improve its tackling, having missed 19 tackles in the Week 1 loss. Linebacker Alex Singleton said the team needs to build off its good plays rather than focusing on the bad.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is coming off a game where he ran for a 62-yard touchdown, the longest scoring run in team history. However, he ranks 26th in QBR with a 45.2 rating. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle may miss the game with a chest injury. The Chiefs' pass rush has been inconsistent, with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones recording only 0.5 sacks this season.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is under pressure after missing two field goals last week. Coach Andy Reid noted that Butker's technique is off. Denver rookie running back Jonah Coleman is expected to get more touches, having averaged 4.9 yards per carry in his limited games. The Chiefs defense looks to harass Nix, while the Broncos defense aims to limit Walker's production.
The game is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS. The outcome will set the tone for the second half of the season for both clubs.
Source: ESPN
