Broncos vs. Chiefs: Live updates and highlights from the NFL Week 8 game

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) scores a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) and Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna (51) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High October 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 29: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) pressured by Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High October 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) makes a catch on a long pass against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) celebrates a fumble recovery during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High on Oct. 29, 2023, in Denver. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) keeps the ball himself and runs down field during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High on Oct. 29, 2023 in Denver. The Denver Broncos taking on the Kansas City Chiefs during week 8 of the NFL regular season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 29: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) takes the field for warmups before playing the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High October 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 29: Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) during warm ups before playing the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High October 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos fans before both teams took the field for warm ups at Empower Field at Mile High Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 29: Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos fans before both teams took the field for warm ups at Empower Field at Mile High October 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
A fan reaches out to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) as the team headed out for warmups at Empower Field at Mile High Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during warm ups before playing the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on Oct. 29, 2023. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

PUBLISHED: October 29, 2023 at 11:25 a.m. | UPDATED: October 29, 2023 at 9:04 p.m.

For the second time in 18 days, the Broncos will play the Chiefs. Can Denver pull off the upset and snap their long-running losing streak to its AFC West rivals? Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.

Live updates

FINAL | Broncos 24, Chiefs 9

The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs. For the first time in 17 tries. For the first time since that franchise drafted Patrick Lavon Mahomes II.

Stranger Things? There hadn’t been many scarier than this divisional mismatch in a league that prides itself on parity. But the pendulum finally swung West in a 24-9 Broncos win Sunday thanks to a dominating defensive performance, five Kansas City turnovers and a trio of Russell Wilson touchdown passes.

“It meant the world,” outside linebacker Baron Browning said of knocking off the Chiefs at Empower Field, where snow filled in the seats for 12,281 no shows but the stadium pulsed with energy down the stretch. “They definitely brought that extra energy and they were definitely that 12th man on the field for us today. So shoutout to Broncos Country.” Read Parker Gabriel’s full game analysis.

More Broncos coverage

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Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes credits Broncos’ defense for poor performance: “They just got after us.”
Broncos’ Ja’Quan McMillian picks Patrick Mahomes for first career interception: “He’s starting to play confident.”
Heroes and Zeros from Broncos’ 24-9 win over Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos report card: Vance Joseph’s defense dominates as Denver puts Kansas City’s 16-game rivalry win streak on snow.
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Fourth-quarter updates

Turnaround (5:26 p.m.): The Broncos went from allowing 70 points to the Miami Dolphins to holding Pat Mahomes and company to nine points and forcing five turnovers. Will the Broncos’ season turnaround after this win? Who knows, but beating your divisional foe after 16th straight losses deserves a celebration. — Ryan McFadden

Three more (5:24 p.m.): Wil Lutz nails the 28-yard field goal. Broncos 24, Chiefs 9 with 31 seconds to go in the game. — Joe Nguyen

Justin. Simmons. (5:13 p.m.): Nothing says a Patrick Mahomes interception like Justin Simmons. The Broncos safety just snagged his fifth off the Chiefs quarterback.

.@jsimms1119 will take that. 😤

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/WXDmgzKaQc

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

The Broncos defense is taking out years of frustration on the Chiefs. Justin Simmons’ interception is takeaway No. 5 for Denver today. What. A. Performance. — Matt Schubert

Sacked (5:11 p.m.): Zach Allen sacks Patrick Mahomes. Third-and-17 for the Chiefs from the KC 23. Then Baron Browning gets another sack. It’s fourth down from the KC 14 now. — Joe Nguyen

It’s getting close (5:03 p.m.): On fourth-and-3 from the Denver 27, Patrick Mahomes went to the end zone, but just overthrew it. Denver ball with 7:35 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Back to form (4:56 p.m.): Russell Wilson’s got three TD passes today and 16 on the season.

That matches his passing TD total from 2022. — Parker Gabriel

Touchdown, Broncos (4:52 p.m.): ATONEMENT for Russell Wilson, who has not been good today, but finds Courtland Sutton for a touchdown in the back corner of the end zone. And, folks, the Broncos are about to beat the Chiefs. — Matt Schubert

Toe-tap, @SuttonCourtland 🙌

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/eoKjwLV6Jn

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Another big gain (4:49 p.m.): On fourth down, the Broncos went for a punt. Kansas City muffed the punt return. Drew Sanders picked up the ball. First-and-goal from the 9 for Denver. — Joe Nguyen

OUR BALL!!!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/alvNFIcNe7

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Is either team interested in winning this game? After Russell Wilson takes (another) bad sack on third-and-long in field goal range, Mecole Hardman answers by fumbling the ensuing punt. It’s Broncos ball at the Chiefs 10, and they absolutely need to take advantage of this here. — Matt Schubert

Pass interference (4:38 p.m.): That’s a big gain. Pass interference on L’Jarius Sneed gives Denver an 18-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen

Third-quarter analysis — Broncos 14, Chiefs 9

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Two timeouts burned because you can’t get lined up in time and two illegal formations because you can’t get lined up correctly is a recipe to let Patrick Mahomes off the hook.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos up by five to start the fourth. Will they finally beat the Chiefs or will they blow another second-half lead at home? I think Mahomes has some tricks up his sleeve.

Patrick Saunders, sports reporter: Broncos clinging to 14-9 lead as we enter the fourth quarter. Not a particularly artistic game.

Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Broncos are 15 minutes away from ending 16-game losing streak to Chiefs. Do you believe?

Third-quarter updates

Mr. Williams’ house (4:30 p.m.): The Broncos’ latest drive? The first three plays all went to Javonte Williams. Two carries for 12 yards and a catch and run for 14 yards. On the day, he has 17 carries for 75 yards and a score as well as two catches for 18 yards. — Joe Nguyen

Standing tall (4:27 p.m.): Chiefs have just three field goals today. The last time they didn’t score a TD? Oct. 24, 2021 vs. the Titans. Denver D is playing very well. — Patrick Saunders

Magic (4:23 p.m.): Patrick Mahomes is a magician. — Patrick Saunders

Nothing (4:16 p.m.): The Broncos were threatening in the red zone, but came up short. Wil Lutz’s 38-yard field-goal attempt was blocked. Broncos 14, Chiefs 9 still. — Joe Nguyen

What a jump by @JustinqReid.

📺: #KCvsDEN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/yJ12cs0P28

— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

Another opportunity missed for the Broncos. Russell Wilson takes a bad sack on third-and-9 and the the Chiefs’ Justin Reid flies in off the edge on the subsequent field goal attempt for a clean block. All that work, and it’s still 14-9, Broncos, with 6:34 left in the third quarter. — Matt Schubert

Bailed out (4:12 p.m.): Looked like Denver was about to settle for a field goal, but a defensive holding call gives the Broncos new life on this drive. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos caught a huge break on the defensive holding call because pocket collapsed so quickly holding really didn’t factor in. — Patrick Saunders

Human highlight reel (4:08 p.m.): Courtland Sutton with one of the more insane contested catches you will see all season, and now the Broncos are in business in Chiefs territory. — Matt Schubert

GROWN. MAN. CATCH. 😤

📺: CBS | @SuttonCourtland
pic.twitter.com/EzmMshken8

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Halftime analysis — Broncos 14, Chiefs 9

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos started a drive in Week 6 with 47 seconds left in the half and gave up three to Kansas City.

The Broncos started a drive today with 48 seconds left in the half and gave up three to Kansas City.

Forcing three turnovers is great, obviously, but turning that into only a 14-9 lead is dangerous. Broncos need points to open the third quarter to make it count.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense put together one of its best halves of the season, forcing three turnovers and holding the Chiefs to nine points.

Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Broncos plus 2 on turnovers and plus 5 on scoreboard. Fearless prediction: If Broncos finish game plus 4 on turnovers, you can kiss 16-game losing streak goodbye.

Patrick Saunders, sports reporter: Broncos lead Chiefs 14-9 at the half. Bronx had a chance to take control and could not. Great Googly Moogly.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: This should be a two-score game. Instead, after another Russell Wilson fumble at midfield, the Broncos only lead 14-9 at the half. A hell of a lot of missed opportunities from the Denver offense in that first half. They might be kicking themselves after this one.

Second-quarter updates

Field goal (3:51 p.m.): Harrison Butker nails the 56-yard field goal as time runs out. Broncos 14, Chiefs 9 at the half. — Joe Nguyen

Strip sack for the Chiefs (3:50 p.m.): Denver’s offense couldn’t capitalize on the turnover. George Karlaftis strip sacks Russell Wilson. Kansas City recovers. — Joe Nguyen

Another turnover (3:44 p.m.): Baron Browning’s impact since his return has been huge. The Broncos linebacker strip sacked Patrick Mahomes and Denver recovered the ball. Denver’s offense gets it on its own 30. — Joe Nguyen

WELCOME BACK, BARON BROWNING‼️

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/zialVgv9BK

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Baron Browning flies in off the edge and that’s three takeaways from the Broncos defense after Jonathon Cooper recovers the Patrick Mahomes fumble. The Denver defense has shown up today. — Matt Schubert

Sacked (3:35 p.m.): Russell Wilson was sacked on third-and-10. Denver punts. Kansas City ball at its own 21-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos couldn’t do anything after Javonte Williams’ 15-yard run. Wilson threw two straight incompletions and got sacked on third down. Chiefs back on offense. — Ryan McFadden

Big run (3:33 p.m.): Javonte Williams’ first run on this drive went for nothing. His second? He carried Kansas City’s defense for a huge 15-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen

Big stop (3:28 p.m.): Ja’Quan McMillian with more highlights. On third-and-2, he stopped the Chiefs run attempt. Kansas City settles for a field goal. Broncos 14, Chiefs 6 with 5:39 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Ja’Quan McMillan is playing lights out for Denver D. First a pick and now a key tackle. — Patrick Saunders

Huge gain by KC (3:26 p.m.): Rashee Rice just took for a 39-yard gain off a catch-and-run for the Chiefs. — Joe Nguyen

Fourth down fails (3:23 p.m.): The Broncos went for it on fourth-and-2. Russell Wilson scrambled to the right, fumbles it out of bounds just short of the first down. Kansas City ball. — Joe Nguyen

Not sure why the Broncos don’t play smash-ball on fourth-and-2. Turning point? — Patrick Saunders

Didn’t we learn about Russell Wilson trying to outrun the Kansas City offense to the right on fourth-and-short a couple of weeks ago? — Parker Gabriel

I don’t understand that playcall on 4th and short. Broncos should’ve just ran the ball with Javonte Williams. — Ryan McFadden

Picked off (3:18 p.m.): Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian just picked off Patrick Mahomes. — Joe Nguyen

J-MAC WITH THE PICK!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/6mYcxxf4Lm

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Touchdown, Broncos (3:10 p.m.): Russell Wilson to Jerry Jeudy again. This time an 11-yard pass in the end zone. It’s Jeudy’s first touchdown reception this year. Broncos 14, Chiefs 3 with 11:51 to go. — Joe Nguyen

After review, that's a TD!

📺: CBS | @jerryjeudy pic.twitter.com/U3gkGFgWIH

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Upon further review … TD for Broncos Jerry Jeudy. They now lead the Chiefs 14-3. — Patrick Saunders

.@jerryjeudy celebrations are back 😅#EasyToCelebrate x @budlight pic.twitter.com/VyXt4qY5qN

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Today still might not be the day, but today is shaping up a lot like the day would probably shape up. — Parker Gabriel

Jerry. Jeudy. (3:06 p.m.): That awful pass from Russell Wilson at the beginning of the quarter? That’s forgiven. Wilson connected with Jerry Jeudy for a 39-yard pass at the Kansas City 11-yard line. Chiefs safety Justin Reid is down with an injury. — Joe Nguyen

JERRY. JEUDY. 😤

📺: CBS | @jerryjeudy
pic.twitter.com/iE7bhVrs0n

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Jerry Jeudy is flexing. Josey Jewell is delivering jarring hits. And the Broncos are looking like a team of destiny (for today). — Matt Schubert

Jewell’s redemption (3:03 p.m.): Right after Josey Jewell was dinged with a defensive holding penalty, the Broncos linebacker forced a fumble on receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Justin Simmons recovered the ball. Denver’s offense will get it at its own 43-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

.@josey_jewell forces the fumble, @jsimms1119 scoops it up!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/eS8I0nWOrZ

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

Broncos can’t afford to waste the chance off this turnover. — Patrick Saunders

Bad pass (2:57 p.m.): A pretty awful pass from Russell Wilson on a slant to Jerry Jeudy. And now the Broncos have to punt. — Matt Schubert

First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Chiefs 3

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos should continue to run the dang ball.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense looked solid, while Javonte Williams is carrying the offense, literally.

Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Chiefs can’t handle the truth that is Javonte Williams.

Matt Schubert, sports editor: Good things happen when Javonte Williams gets the ball.

First-quarter updates

Field goal (2:47 p.m.): Harrison Butker with the 22-yard field goal. Broncos 7, Chiefs 3 with 1:11 to go. — Joe Nguyen

Broncos defense holds in the red zone again. Week 6, Kansas City went 1/5. This week: 0/1 so far. — Parker Gabriel

The Broncos defensive line gets it done in the red zone — continuing a theme from the last time these two teams played. — Matt Schubert

Touchdown, Broncos (2:36 p.m.): Russell Wilson connected with Javonte Williams, who rumbles 4 yards into the end zone for the touchdown. Broncos 7, Chiefs 0 with 7:56 to go. — Joe Nguyen

First TD since his injury. 👏

Welcome back, @javontewill33!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/u9mLwWb9w7

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 29, 2023

This might be the day, friends.

Javonte Williams had six touches for 23 yards on that drive. Feed the man, Sean Payton. Feed him good. — Matt Schubert

Slick design from Sean Payton and company there. Got Russ on the sprint right only to throw it back against the grain to Javonte Williams, who bulled his way into the end zone. — Parker Gabriel

Lean on the run game (2:33 p.m.): Denver’s first eight offensive plays included seven rushes. The other was a pass to the flat to Jaleel McLaughlin that resulted in a 9-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen

Three-and-out (2:28 p.m.): Great stand by the Broncos’ defense in the game’s opening drive. The Chiefs go 4 yards in the wrong direction and have to punt. Denver responds with a 31-yard punt return by Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos will start with the ball on Kansas City 35-yard line. — Joe Nguyen

Excellent start for Denver’s defense, forcing a three-and-out. Rookie Marvin Mims Jr. sped down the field on a 31-yard punt return. — Ryan McFadden

Coin toss (2:24 p.m.): Broncos win the toss and defer. It’s time to football. — Parker Gabriel

Pregame updates

Frigid temperatures (2:19 p.m.): It’s 26 degrees at Empower Field as kickoff approaches. Light wind and the flurries have pretty much stopped. — Parker Gabriel

Gloves (1:50 p.m.): Russell Wilson rocking gloves on both hands as the Broncos warm up. — Parker Gabriel

Inactives (1 p.m.): No surprises among the Broncos’ inactives today:

DL Elijah Garcia
DL Keondre Coburn
OLB Thomas Incoom
S JL Skinner
C Alex Forsyth

A pair of DLs in Garcia and Coburn, recently claimed off waivers from Kansas City, plus three rookies who have mostly been inactive all year. Denver’s got WR Tre’Quan Smith up from the practice squad with Brandon Johnson (hamstring) being placed on IR yesterday. — Parker Gabriel

Happy Snow Day from Empower Field (12:14 p.m.): Every game here so far this season has been to beautiful weather, but winter arrived just in time for Round 2 against the Chiefs. The tarp just came of the field and the playing surface looks just fine. There’s not much wind, either, so chilly temperatures may be the only major impact on the field. One thing to monitor: Kansas City added QB Patrick Mahomes to their injury report with the flu. He’s expected to play. And Broncos fans wouldn’t be blamed for expecting a Michael Jordan-esque outing rather than Mahomes being negatively impacted by the illness. — Parker Gabriel

Scouting report (11:20 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Chiefs in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.

Game predictions

Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Chiefs 28, Broncos 20

The streak has to end at some point, right? ….. Right? It would be interesting to see what happens if Denver goes into the bye week with back-to-back wins and gets designs of, hey, maybe the impossible is possible. Except Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones do care not for the interesting. No. 17 in a row feels imminent, and a Kansas City blowout would be less surprising than a Broncos win. Again.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Chiefs 24, Broncos 17

At some point, the Broncos will end their losing streak to the Chiefs. But that will not happen on Sunday. Denver will play with a ton of fire at home and might even convince some that it can pull off an upset. However, Mahomes just figures out ways to make the right play at the right time, so it’s hard to bet against him.

Mark Kiszla, columnist: Chiefs 30, Broncos 14

Why is Sean Payton never happy? It ain’t his dislike of sushi, pal. His football team is further away from competing with K.C. than Payton thought when he took the Broncos gig. With the trade deadline looming, let’s get the rebuild started.

Sean Keeler, columnist: Chiefs 27, Broncos 20

Sell, baby, sell! Russell Wilson’s stat line, head-to-head, in Orange & Blue vs. KC: 0-3, 188.3 passing yards per game, 20 points per loss. Patrick Mahomes’ line vs. Big Russ in Denver: 3-0, 328.7 yards and 26.7 points per victory. The streak will end. But not with this QB. Or this roster.

Broncos-Chiefs NFL Week 8: Must-reads

In Broncos vs. Chiefs rematch 17 days later, Denver would do well to re-create red zone defensive success

A low-scoring and ugly game partially obfuscated a reality in the Broncos’ Week 6 loss on a Thursday night to Kansas City earlier this month: For the most part, the Chiefs dominated on both sides of the ball.

Perhaps the biggest thing that went wrong for Andy Reid’s team: Kicker Harrison Butker and Kansas City’s field goal unit got far too much work. The Chiefs moved the ball up and down the field against Denver’s defense and compiled 389 yards, but turned five red zone trips into just one touchdown and four field goals.

If the Broncos are to pull off an upset Sunday at Empower Field, a similarly stout performance in that department might well be necessary, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.

Broncos coach Sean Payton preparing for chilly conditions vs. Chiefs

It’s looking like Broncos Country will need to break out the winter jackets.

According to the National Weather Service, Denver’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday afternoon is expected to be played at a high of 28 degrees.

There’s even a 70% chance of precipitation, with possible snow accumulation of one to three inches. While Broncos head coach Sean Payton believes advanced analytics has played a significant role in deciding whether to go for it on fourth down or attempt a two-point conversion, he thinks weather does too, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.

Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis. — Joe Nguyen