Broncos Outlast Chiefs in Thrilling Christmas Night Win, Keep AFC Top Spot
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In a Christmas night showdown, the Denver Broncos edged the Kansas City Chiefs 20-13, maintaining their grip on the top spot in the AFC playoff chase. Quarterback Bo Nix led the charge, throwing a game-winning 1-yard touchdown pass to RJ Harvey with 1:45 left on the clock. The Broncos dominated possession, holding the ball for 39:28, and limited the Chiefs to just 139 total yards. Nix's performance was a highlight of the game, as he completed 26 of 38 passes for 182 yards and one interception, while also rushing for 42 yards on nine carries. Chris Oladokun, making his first NFL start in place of injured stars Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 66 yards and one touchdown. The Chiefs' Travis Kelce, who may be playing his final home game for the team, caught five passes for 36 yards, while Brashard Smith scored his first NFL touchdown with a 5-yard reception in the second quarter. Denver's defense was led by a game-best 12 tackles from Nick Bolton. The turning point in the game came when Chris Jones jumped offside, giving the Broncos a crucial first down at the Chiefs' 4-yard line. Three plays later, Nix connected with Harvey for the winning score, capping a 14-play, 65-yard drive that took 6:18. The Broncos' victory keeps them in the hunt for the AFC West title, which they can clinch if the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Houston Texans on Saturday. With the win, Denver moved to 12-3, their best record since 2015.
