Broncos edge Chiefs in close finish

In a tightly contested AFC West matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs trailed the Denver Broncos 28-24 with 4 seconds remaining and the ball at the 1-yard line. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was expected to deliver a late-game comeback, as he has done throughout his career.

Mahomes threw a pass intended for Rashee Rice, who appeared to catch the go-ahead touchdown. However, a false start flag was called just as the catch was made, nullifying the score. The Chiefs were then backed up 5 yards and given one final play to secure the win.

Mahomes dropped back to pass but was sacked on the final play, sending the Chiefs to a 5-2 record and the Broncos to 6-2. The game marked the 71st contest of the season decided by one score or less, tying the record for the most through Week 8 since the 1970 merger.

The Broncos’ defense held firm after the sack, preventing the Chiefs from mounting a comeback. The game became the 35th of this season with a game-winning score in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime, one short of the NFL record through Week 8.

The Broncos’ 16-2 record in one-score games over the past two seasons is the best in the league. Broncos coach Sean Payton credited the team’s experience, stating, 'It has to come from we’ve done it before.'

The Chiefs’ kicker, Harrison Butker, had missed a 54-yard field goal attempt with Kansas City leading 24-21, allowing the Broncos to take the lead. Butker’s accuracy has declined since 2024, prompting the Chiefs to sign veteran kicker Justin Tucker to the practice squad as a not-so-subtle way to increase the competition on Butker.