Nix throws 2 TDs as Broncos edge Chiefs 24-21

Denver, CO - Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes, Pat Bryant II delivered the game’s only 100-yard receiving performance, and the Denver Broncos snapped a two-game losing streak by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 24-21 in Week 8.

Denver generated 441 offensive yards and 19 first downs while building and protecting a narrow advantage in a game that remained competitive throughout. Kansas City stayed close without ever producing much separation of its own, leaving the Broncos to manage the pressure of a one-score contest.

Nix completed 22 of 44 passes for a game-high 297 yards. His longest completion covered 53 yards, also the longest pass play of the game, and he finished with an 87.0 passer rating. The uneven completion rate left room for missed opportunities, but Denver consistently found enough production through the air to keep its offense moving.

"There are definitely throws I'd like to have back, but we kept giving ourselves chances," Nix said. "We were able to spread the ball around, get some explosive gains and finish with points when we got inside the 20. In a game this close, every possession feels important."

Bryant was Denver's leading receiver and the game-high performer with six catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. His 53-yard reception was the longest catch by either team. Troy Franklin added five receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown, while Evan Engram supplied six catches for 71 yards.

"I tried to be available whenever the ball came my way," Bryant said. "We had different guys contributing, so it wasn't about forcing anything. When there was space to make something happen, the job was to finish the catch and get what was there."

The Broncos also held a substantial advantage on the ground, rushing for 144 yards compared with Kansas City's 79. Jonah Coleman led all rushers with 48 yards on eight attempts, including a game-long 21-yard run, and scored a rushing touchdown. Alvin Kamara added 44 yards on seven carries.

Denver's scoring production reflected the balance of its offense. Nix finished with two passing touchdowns, Bryant and Franklin each recorded a receiving score, and Coleman reached the end zone on the ground. The Broncos also scored on all three of their red-zone trips, producing two touchdowns and a field goal.

That efficiency contrasted with a Kansas City offense that finished with 305 offensive yards and 12 first downs. The Chiefs converted only 3 of 13 third downs and went 1-for-2 on fourth down. Their two red-zone visits produced one touchdown and no field goals.

Patrick Mahomes completed 23 of 37 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown, posting an 88.3 passer rating. He also led Kansas City in rushing with 30 yards on five carries and scored a rushing touchdown. The Chiefs continued to apply pressure as the game developed and narrowed Denver's advantage, but the final margin remained three points.

"We didn't do enough on third down, and that puts a lot of stress on everything else," Mahomes said. "We had some good stretches and got ourselves within one score, but we need to be more consistent from one series to the next."

Adonai Mitchell provided Kansas City's most productive receiving line with seven catches for 98 yards, including a 29-yard reception. Jalen Royals caught two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Emmett Johnson carried a game-high nine times for 27 yards and scored once.

Neither defense recorded an interception, but both generated pressure. Kansas City finished with four sacks, while Denver registered three. The Broncos nevertheless finished with 136 more offensive yards and converted 8 of 16 third downs, twice Kansas City's conversion total on one fewer attempt.

The close score did not require one defining late play to explain the result. Denver created modest separation across the game, Kansas City continued to challenge that advantage, and the Broncos ultimately emerged with their fourth win after entering the afternoon at 3-4. For Kansas City, the defeat followed a loss in its previous game after a 4-2 start.

Up Next

Denver will take its two-game-skid-ending victory on the road for a Week 9 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, while Kansas City returns home looking to rebound against the New York Jets.