2 months, 2 weeks ago

Bo Nix, Broncos shut out Chiefs to clinch playoff date with Bills: Key takeaways

By Nick Kosmider, Nate Taylor and Chris Licata The Denver Broncos galloped past the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, securing a decisive 38-0 home win and punching their ticket to the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. With Kansas City resting most of its starters, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones, Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix carved up the Chiefs’ defense for a career-high 321 passing yards and four touchdowns. What it will take for Broncos to hang with Bills The Broncos went to Buffalo in November last season and pulled off a stunning upset of the Bills on “Monday Night Football.” They did it with a flurry of takeaways — including a forced fumble and recovery on the game’s first play — some timely fourth-quarter playmaking from Russell Wilson, and a game-winning field goal by Wil Lutz that came on a second chance provided by a Bills penalty. — Nate Taylor, Chiefs staff writer Nix’s efficient performance emblematic of encouraging rookie season Nix on Sunday quickly erased whatever doubt may have existed about how he would respond in what amounted to the first elimination game of his pro career. Three drives into the game — a pair of Broncos touchdowns and a Kansas City three-and-out — it was clear Denver wouldn’t squander its third chance in as many weeks to earn their 10th win and reach the postseason for the first time since Peyton Manning and Von Miller led the Broncos to a victory in Super Bowl 50.

Game Season Nfl Chiefs Kansas City Rookie Left Playoff Bills Denver Bo Nix Buffalo Nix Humphries Thuney Bonitto Broncos Start key game left season broncos start tackle takeaways chiefs clinch rookie nfl touchdowns nix bo playoff shut date

History of this topic

2 weeks, 2 days ago

What’s next for the Chiefs after trading Joe Thuney? Trey Smith extension, new left tackle

New York Times

— Joe Thuney did everything the Chiefs asked of him — and more. Thuney’s reputation reached perhaps an all-time high late last season when he was moved to left tackle — the lineman most responsible for protecting Mahomes’ blind side — to fix the biggest issue with the Chiefs’ roster. That’s all you can do.” GO DEEPER Joe Thuney trade …

3 weeks, 4 days ago

Chiefs NFL Draft big board: 20 players to watch in first 3 rounds for positions of need

New York Times

The NFL combine, which begins this week in Indianapolis, is the official start of draft season. The Chiefs still need a left tackle — and potential upgrades or additional depth at defensive tackle, running back, wide receiver, cornerback and maybe even tight end. pic.twitter.com/Bg7wKwGlVf — Nick Baumgardner April 9, 2024 Donovan Ezeiruaku, DE, Boston College The Chiefs need another athletic …

1 month, 1 week ago

Kansas City Chiefs star deletes post saying he won't retire at 28 after Super Bowl disaster

Daily Mail

In the aftermath of a crushing defeat in Super Bowl LIX, a star on the Kansas City Chiefs is dismissing rumors that he might be calling it a career. After a tweet from a fake Adam Schefter account suggested that he might be on the verge of retirement, pass catcher DeAndre Hopkins posted a now-deleted tweet saying that he wasn't …

1 month, 1 week ago

After Super Bowl flop, the Chiefs look toward the future with massive changes on the horizon

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Even as the confetti was flying and the Philadelphia Eagles were celebrating their Super Bowl triumph on the field of the Superdome, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs already were thinking about getting back to the big game next year. “It’s if he wants to put in that grind, because it takes it to go out …

1 month, 1 week ago

Misery, not history for the Chiefs after their worst performance of the season

New York Times

NEW ORLEANS — Even before the game was over, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt entered the visitors’ locker room inside the Caesars Superdome alone, his head bowed. I have to be better next time.” Mahomes and every other veteran player knew Sunday’s game was more than just the finish line of the Chiefs’ 2024 campaign. “We haven’t played that bad all …

1 month, 1 week ago

Patrick Mahomes stifled as Chiefs get walloped 40-22 by Eagles in Super Bowl

New York Times

The Philadelphia Eagles dominated Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl Sunday night, picking off Mahomes twice and storming out to a 24-0 first-half lead thanks to rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean’s pick-six on his 22nd birthday. Mahomes has only thrown five pick-sixes since 2017 and Sunday’s marked his first since Christmas Day 2023. DeJean’s interception was …

Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat faces its toughest challenge vs. the Eagles

Trending News

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat faces its toughest challenge vs. the Eagles

Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing history and a few of Taylor Swift’s records. It’s a rematch from two years ago when Hurts nearly led the Eagles to a championship only to watch Mahomes snatch it away by rallying Kansas City to a 38-35 win on Harrison Butker’s 27-yard field goal with …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Super Bowl match-up set as Kansas City Chiefs target historic three in a row

The Independent

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1 month, 3 weeks ago

Once again, the Bills play the Chiefs down to the wire, only to come up short of the Super Bowl

Associated Press

— The Buffalo Bills ought to be getting used to this by now. Despite another gutsy effort from Josh Allen and his bunch, who took the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire in the playoffs yet again, they were forced to watch in the closing seconds as Patrick Mahomes and the rest of their …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs’ all-out blitz with Super Bowl berth on the line is defensive play call of the year

New York Times

— Most inside the Kansas City huddle knew the call before it came in. “I wanted that blitz,” McDuffie would say later, revisiting the pivotal play in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. “I just figured they do something to beat man,” Spagnuolo said after the Chiefs’ 32-29 victory clinched their spot in Super Bowl LIX. Spagnuolo had gotten three Chiefs defenders …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Bills cornerback Christian Benford clears concussion protocol, active for AFC title game vs Chiefs

Associated Press

— Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford cleared the concussion protocol and was active Sunday for the AFC championship game, where he was expected to play a big role in helping to slow Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game. The other inactives for Buffalo against the defending Super Bowl champions were cornerback Brandon Codrington, defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs turn controversial fourth-down call into go-ahead TD in AFC Championship Game

New York Times

The Kansas City Chiefs scored a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 32-29 AFC Championship Game win against the Buffalo Bills after getting the ball back on a controversial fourth-down call. The Chiefs forced a turnover on downs after officials ruled, following a replay review, that Kansas City stopped Bills quarterback Josh Allen short of the line on …

Chiefs are back in the AFC title game for a 7th straight season. Bills aim to dethrone them

Trending News

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs are back in the AFC title game for a 7th straight season. Bills aim to dethrone them

Associated Press

— The Bills and Chiefs have met seven times over roughly four years, building such an intense, competitive rivalry that Kansas City safety Justin Reid admitted that the Super Bowl champs just assume they’ll see Buffalo twice a year. And it’s always a tough challenge, but it’s one we’re excited for, and another good one for all the fans.” Road …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

As the Chiefs chase a Super Bowl three-peat, the Bills aim to spoil the party in Kansas City

Associated Press

Buffalo at Kansas City Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBS/Paramount+ BetMGM NFL odds: Chiefs by 1 1/2. The team also met for the 1993 conference championship with Buffalo winning 30-13 in the midst of four straight Super Bowl appearances, and the Bills won a divisional playoff game on Jan. 5, 1992. The Bills finished the season with a league-best plus-24 turnover …

2 months ago

The steadfast 6: Mahomes, Kelce and 4 others have carried the Chiefs to 7 straight AFC title games

Associated Press

— Five years ago, after the Kansas City Chiefs had just rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers in their first Super Bowl appearance in five decades, Chris Jones settled behind a dais and was asked about what the future held for him. They’ve won four of the past six AFC championship games, and both losses came in overtime: to …

2 months ago

Chiefs’ defensive failure against the Bills last time will fuel them in the AFC title game

New York Times

— Minutes after their first loss this season, the Chiefs’ mood inside the visitors’ locker room at Highmark Stadium was split. You're hardly the only one The Chiefs’ defenders understand they have to play better against the Bills’ potent offense, led by quarterback Josh Allen, in two categories: the fundamentals and on third down. “Three or four mistakes in a …

2 months ago

How Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs made their 7th straight AFC title game: ‘It’s not normal’

New York Times

— Many years from now, when Arrowhead Stadium is no longer the home venue of the Chiefs, when coach Andy Reid is no longer on the sideline looking at his laminated play sheet, when defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has stopped blitzing, when the trio of Hall of Fame players — quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and pass rusher …

2 months ago

Travis Kelce sets NFL playoff record as Chiefs top Texans, advance to AFC Championship Game: Key takeaways

New York Times

Travis Kelce’s milestone game Saturday helped the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat continue for another week with a 23-14 win over the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round. — Nate Taylor, Chiefs beat writer Kansas City’s pass rush delivers a masterpiece Led by longtime coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defense accomplished its biggest mission. — Taylor Awaiting …

2 months ago

Broncos feel they finally have the QB, roster to challenge Kansas City’s AFC West supremecy in 2025

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos ended both their prolonged playoff drought and their protracted search for a foundational quarterback this season despite an NFL record $91 million in dead cap charges. With more money to spend in 2025, a cohesive locker room that notably lacks “prima donnas” — as QB Bo Nix pointed out — and a young roster …

2 months, 1 week ago

Broncos QB Bo Nix already is thinking about his next steps with his rookie season in the books

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In 1983, the Denver Broncos went on the road to Seattle and lost a wild-card playoff game 31-7. “To get some time off to reset a little bit because the next season will be here quickly.” Not too much down time, though, because Nix said there’s plenty to do to take the next step and avoid any …

2 months, 1 week ago

Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix learns difficult, but valuable lesson in losing playoff debut against Bills

Associated Press

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Bo Nix’s first taste of the NFL playoffs quickly turned bitter after a sweet start. Denver’s rookie quarterback threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to his former college teammate Troy Franklin on the opening drive of Sunday’s wild-card playoff game. “I haven’t been in the league long enough to know how far off we are,” said Nix, …

2 months, 1 week ago

Travis Kelce denies Chiefs intentionally lost Week 18 game to eliminate Bengals from playoffs

CNN

CNN — Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce denied that the team intentionally lost its Week 18 game to ensure that the Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated from playoff contention. Due to the two teams’ shared history, the nature of the Week 18 defeat from the Chiefs led to social media speculation that Kansas City intentionally lost to the Broncos to …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Mahomes, Kelce watch backups get blown out 38-0 by Broncos, now Chiefs aim for Super Bowl three-peat

Associated Press

DENVER — Patrick Mahomes spent a chilly Sunday afternoon strolling the sideline in a jacket and sweatpants, with a handwarmer pouch secured around his waist. “Today, obviously was not great, but we know it’s ahead of us as a team,” said Carson Wentz, who started in place of Mahomes and went 10 of 17 for 98 yards before being taken …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Nix leads Broncos past Chiefs’ reserves 38-0 and into playoffs for 1st time since 2015 season

Associated Press

DENVER — Bo Nix celebrated the end of Denver’s eight-year playoff drought with a bunch of new friends. The rookie quarterback circled Empower Field while handing out high-fives to fans after he passed for 321 yards and four touchdowns in a 38-0 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs’ bevy of backups on Sunday. But the fans deserve it, it’s been …

With nothing at stake, Chiefs rest Mahomes, Kelce and several other starters against Broncos

Trending News

2 months, 2 weeks ago

With nothing at stake, Chiefs rest Mahomes, Kelce and several other starters against Broncos

Associated Press

DENVER — The Kansas City Chiefs are resting Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and several other starters against Denver in the regular-season finale on Sunday with nothing at stake. That’s why coach Andy Reid announced that backup Carson Wentz will be under center instead of Mahomes and that a host of other players will sit out against the Broncos. …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Broncos stomp out 9 years of demons in playoff-clinching win. Now they want more

New York Times

DENVER — As soon as Garett Bolles and the rest of the starters for the Broncos were pulled off the field midway through the fourth quarter, the realization set in and the bear hugs flowed liberally. But we're not done yet.#EasyToCelebrate pic.twitter.com/VdA29gzZ8K — Denver Broncos January 6, 2025 The victory by the Broncos on Sunday — a laser-focused effort in …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Chiefs saving their best for the playoffs, so blowout loss in Denver doesn’t hurt

New York Times

The Chiefs couldn’t leave Denver on Sunday night because of the winter storm that draped Kansas City in ice and snow, but they did accomplish what was at the top of their priority list against the Broncos in their regular-season finale. Coach Andy Reid was able to rest his best players — quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, pass …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

What I’m seeing with the Broncos ahead of their biggest game in 9 years

New York Times

Welcome to the biggest game for the Denver Broncos in nearly a decade. That makes Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs the latest, biggest game for the Broncos since they hoisted the Lombardi Trophy at the end of Super Bowl 50. That’s as simple as it is.” Here’s what I’m seeing and hearing as the Broncos prep for …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Broncos get third chance at ending long playoff drought as Kansas City plans to play bevy of backups

Associated Press

Kansas City at Denver Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Broncos by 9 1/2. He needed 175 games to surpass 1,000, or 28 games fewer than Jason Witten.. Kelce has 77 TD receptions, breaking Tony Gonzalez’s Chiefs record of 76. Kelce is next with 174.. Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy needs one TD catch to match Rashee Rice’s franchise …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones, Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. inactive for Christmas clash

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — The Kansas City Chiefs will try to lock up the top seed in the AFC without star defensive end Chris Jones. The Steelers — who can clinch the AFC North with wins in their final two games — will not have starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. available. Pittsburgh made veteran outside linebacker Preston Smith inactive for the first …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Happy holiday for Chiefs, who wrap up AFC’s No. 1 seed with dominant win in Pittsburgh

New York Times

PITTSBURGH — One by one, each player on the Chiefs exited the field Wednesday afternoon and walked along the left wall inside the bowels of Acrisure Stadium. Before they entered the visitors’ locker room, many of the Chiefs smiled and said two words with glee: “Merry Christmas!” Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ best pass rusher who didn’t play because of a …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs breeze past Steelers to secure AFC top seed with Christmas win: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Nate Taylor, Mike DeFabo and Cale Clinton The Kansas City Chiefs played one of their most complete games of the season on Christmas Day, handling business against the Steelers in a 29-10 win on the road. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense failed to score more than 30 points once again, but their 389 total yards were Kansas City’s …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs head to Pittsburgh on Christmas hoping to lock up the top seed in the AFC

Associated Press

Kansas City at Pittsburgh Wednesday, 1 p.m., EST, Netflix. Key matchup Steelers RBs Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris against the Chiefs rush defense, which is ranked third in the NFL and allowing just 91.4 yards per game. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye with a win over the Steelers, or if the Bills lose or tie when they play the …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs try to secure home-field advantage in the AFC when they visit Pittsburgh on Christmas

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin wasn’t in the mood to get into a semantic argument. “I mean, they’re 14-1.” Even during a season in which the Chiefs often have looked ordinary as much as they’ve looked extraordinary, a victory in either of their final two games would assure them of home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs in their bid to become …

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs offense hitting its stride with return of wide receiver Marquise Brown from injury

Associated Press

— The Kansas City Chiefs have not been whole on offense all season, the byproduct of injuries to Marquise Brown on the very first game of the preseason and a season-ending injury to fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice at the end of September. We just have to keep stacking.” What’s working The Chiefs defense, which had turned opponents over just …

3 months ago

Against the Broncos, Chargers will face a problem (Bo Nix) that L.A. created

LA Times

Denver quarterback Bo Nix scrambles during the first half against the Chargers in October. “We kind of sparked his run on what we let him do to us in the fourth quarter of that game,” the Chargers defensive coordinator said sheepishly this week. Chargers Jim Harbaugh, Chargers feeling better after first win in Denver since 2018 Chargers’ coach Jim Harbaugh …

3 months ago

Will Patrick Mahomes miss time? That’s the big question after Chiefs improve to 13-1

New York Times

CLEVELAND — Even a comfortable win on the scoreboard wasn’t comfortable for the Kansas City Chiefs. “I thought the smart decision was to put Carson in.” The Chiefs could wind up regretting the call on Mahomes’ final snap. It’s something I have to get better on as the season ends here and we go into the playoffs.” Patrick Mahomes limps …

3 months, 1 week ago

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on having to play 3 times in an 11-day span: ‘It’s not a good feeling’

Associated Press

— You can count Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes among those who are not exactly thrilled about the NFL forcing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions to play three times over an 11-day span in the coming weeks. Mahomes was asked whether he has ever had three games in such a short span, he replied: “I haven’t in football.” …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Rookie QB Bo Nix weathers a tough start and has Broncos in position to end a long playoff drought

Associated Press

DENVER — This figured to be a season filled with plenty of growing pains for the Denver Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. “A good week of rest, good week of just kind of a reset,” explained Nix, whose TD passes, yards passing and wins are the most in Broncos history for a rookie QB. “But we’re also going to …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Broncos head into bye on three-game winning streak and chasing first playoff spot since 2015 season

Associated Press

DENVER — On a night when rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw one touchdown pass, his defense caught two. “We’re a confident bunch right now,” said Nix, whose team has won three in a row. We’re playing with a little bit of confidence and a chip on our shoulder.” The Broncos have graduated to a place where they can overcome sticky …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Bo Nix, Broncos respond late in shootout vs. Browns for 41-32 victory: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Zac Jackson, Nick Kosmider and Tobias Bass In their first “Monday Night Football” matchup since 1990, the Denver Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns 41-32 at Empower Field at Mile High. But the deep pick by Ward was Nix’s second on Monday night, and it could have proved costly after the Browns followed with a touchdown drive to take the …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes could have new blindside protector when he faces Chargers on Sunday night

Associated Press

— Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes could have a new blindside protector when he faces the Chargers on Sunday night. And after one particularly poor stretch in Friday’s 19-17 win over Las Vegas, Reid and Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Hecht made the relatively drastic decision to move All-Pro guard Joe Thuney out to tackle and insert Mike Caliendo at the …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Bo Nix taking ‘Monday Night Football’ debut in stride as he leads Broncos against the Browns

Associated Press

DENVER — Bo Nix’s demeanor hasn’t changed from the first month of the season when he couldn’t find the end zone to rolling through October and November while piling up accolades and joining the NFL Rookie of the Year conversation. “It sounds simple, but that’s all I’ve got to continue to do and I think we’ll continue to have success.” …

3 months, 2 weeks ago

Shocking late Raiders fumble hands Chiefs a lucky win to clinch a playoff place as NFL showdown ends in chaos

Daily Mail

The Kansas City Chiefs have pulled off yet another great escape after holding on for a dramatic Black Friday victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Yet when the ball was snapped on a third-and-three, Las Vegas quarterback Aidan O'Connell was somehow looking elsewhere when it came flying in his direction, meaning he fumbled it and allowed Kansas …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Chiefs must solve left tackle problem, protect Patrick Mahomes after scare from Raiders

New York Times

— For the first time this season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended a play by taking his frustration out on the ball. “We know we have a long ways to go,” Mahomes said after the Chiefs’ 19-17 victory. He later added: “I praise the crowd, man.” GO DEEPER NBC, Peacock announce EA Sports Madden NFL alt-cast The game’s lone turnover …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Courtland Sutton’s surge is helping rookie Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos make a playoff push

Associated Press

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — What’s stoking the Denver Broncos’ surprising surge is the growing connection between rookie quarterback Bo Nix and veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Whenever the Broncos need a clutch catch, a key flag or a timely touchdown, Sutton is usually the one delivering it like he did Sunday when he caught eight passes on 10 targets for 97 …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Bo Nix sets Broncos rookie TD record as Denver beats reeling Raiders 29-19

Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — The music could clearly be heard outside the doors to the Broncos’ locker room, the players inside truly enjoying finally getting to experience a victory in Las Vegas. Bo Nix passed for 273 yards and had two touchdown passes to break the team’s rookie record Sunday, and Denver beat the reeling Raiders 29-19. “Everybody shows up every …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Travis Kelce records NFL history in Kansas City Chiefs vs Carolina Panthers

Daily Mail

Travis Kelce has moved into third on all-time NFL list on receiving yards for a tight end. The Kansas City Chiefs star recorded a 19-yard completion to move third, ahead of Antonio Gates, with an overall tally of 11,854 yards. The Chiefs tight end - playing in Charlotte on Sunday without girlfriend Taylor Swift cheering him on in the stands- …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Bo Nix efficient again as Broncos complete season sweep of Raiders: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Nick Kosmider, Vic Tafur, Tashan Reed and Chris Licata The good times kept rolling for Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, securing a 29-19 win at Allegiant Stadium to improve to 7-5 and sweep their regular season series against the Las Vegas Raiders for the first time since 2014. The Raiders led 13-9 at halftime despite Minshew’s …

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6 days, 23 hours ago