Broncos Beat Chiefs as Late Calls Spark Outrage
The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on Sunday. A false start wiped out a go-ahead touchdown before Malcolm Roach sacked Patrick Mahomes on the last play.
- 24-13 was Kansas City's lead before Denver scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
- 54-yard field goal try by Harrison Butker missed wide right with 2:36 left.
- 321 yards and three touchdowns for Mahomes, with no interceptions.
- 11 penalties for 105 yards hit the Chiefs; Denver had six for 45.
Why it matters: The Broncos moved into first place in the AFC West. The Chiefs have now lost two straight games.
- 16-2 is Denver's record in one-score games over two seasons, the league's best.
- Butker is 2 of 6 from 50-plus yards this season.
How 7 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the officials' late flag or Kansas City's own mistakes cost the Chiefs the game.
Center coverage, 4 sources: The center focuses on the disputed false-start call, highlighting Brittany Mahomes and Andy Reid questioning the officials.
Left coverage, 1 sources: The left frames the loss as Denver again winning a close game in a season full of them, with new pressure on Butker.
Right coverage, 2 sources: The right frames the loss around Travis Kelce telling teammates, and himself, to stop the self-inflicted mistakes.
What’s next: The Chiefs host the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday. The Broncos visit the Carolina Panthers.
- Kansas City signed veteran kicker Justin Tucker to its practice squad last week.
- Will the Chiefs replace Butker with Tucker after another missed long kick?
- Will the NFL comment on the false-start call against Jaylon Moore?
