Wil Lutz #3 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on Nov. 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado.
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- Chiefs fall to 5-5 after 22-19 loss, sit 3.5 games behind 9-2 Broncos with seven to play.
- Penalties, special teams miscues stalled drives, caused a blocked PAT and 70-yard return.
- Offense showed stagnant stretches and three-and-outs; defense failed to pressure QB Bo Nix
The Chiefs’ streak of AFC West championships officially hasn’t been snapped, but if they get a 10th straight division title, it would be a remarkable feat.
With their 22-19 loss Sunday to the Broncos in Denver, the Chiefs’ record dropped to 5-5, and they are 3 1/2 games behind 9-2 Denver in the AFC West with seven games to play.
The Chiefs looked lethargic for much of the afternoon in the Mile High City, plagued by penalties, terrible special teams and stretches of poor offensive plays.
For example, the Chiefs led 19-16 and had the ball in the fourth quarter but failed to get a first down and were forced to punt. Denver got a field goal to tie the game, then the Chiefs went three-and-out again.
Special teams had a blocked extra point, gave up a 70-yard punt return and had another botched kickoff. The defense struggled to pressure Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw an ugly red-zone interception.
Chiefs fans shared their thoughts during and after the game about how the team looked.
A fan wrote on Facebook: “Finally get to watch a super bowl and not stress about it”
Another wrote: “Even The Patriots had a season not making the playoffs, retooled and had another run”
A third shared this: “Well I guess the good news is that after this season I may be able to finally afford some chiefs gear.”
The Chiefs have done nothing to fix issues. Came out of the bye looking the same as they did going in. Something drastic has to happen to consider them a legit contender this year. #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom
— Greg Snipes (@GSnipesJr) November 17, 2025
I’m extremely appreciative of the past half-decade; but, this @Chiefs team is completely uninspiring and undisciplined. They’ve played sloppy all season. Looks like the team is creeping towards a re-build. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/kQFhaOxUkN
— Optimistic KU Basketball Fan (@CmonMan00) November 17, 2025
Blocked extra point on the touchdown. Red zone interception that took away a field goal. 4 points left on the field.
Once again, the Kansas City Chiefs lose……to the Kansas City Chiefs.
This team doesn’t deserve the playoffs. They just don’t have it this year.
— Michael Poe (@MichaelDHPoe11) November 17, 2025
This story was originally published November 16, 2025 at 6:46 PM.
Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
