Did the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty finally hit rock bottom on Christmas? On December 25, 2025, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the Denver Broncos edged out a gritty 20-13 victory over a depleted Kansas City Chiefs team in a low-scoring AFC West rivalry clash. Bo Nix’s late touchdown pass to rookie RB R.J. Harvey proved decisive, as Denver swept the season series for the first time since 2015 and improved to 13-3, while the Chiefs fell to 6-10 in a lost season.
Broncos’ Resilient Performance
Denver controlled the game through time of possession and a stout defense, dominating with long drives despite red-zone struggles early on. Bo Nix orchestrated the offense effectively, scrambling for a 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter and delivering the game-winning 1-yard TD pass to R.J. Harvey with 1:45 remaining. The Broncos converted crucial third downs (11-of-18) and drew a key offsides penalty on Chris Jones to keep the final drive alive. Their defense stifled Kansas City’s makeshift offense, limiting them to just 139 total yards.
Chiefs’ Struggles
Playing without Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew due to season-ending injuries, rookie QB Chris Oladokun made his first NFL start and showed flashes—throwing a touchdown pass and scrambling effectively—but the offense managed only short fields for scores via field goals and one TD. The Chiefs hung tough defensively, forcing multiple red-zone settlements for field goals, but penalties (including Jones’ offsides) and an inability to sustain drives doomed them late. Travis Kelce had a quiet night in what may have been his final home game at Arrowhead.
Key Statistics
Category
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Points
20
13
Total Yards
303
139
Time of Possession
39:28
20:32
Third Down Conversions
11/18
–
Red Zone Trips
4 (2 TDs, 2 FGs)
–
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
Quarter
Broncos
Chiefs
1st
3
0
2nd
3
7
3rd
7
3
4th
7
3
Total
20
13
Denver led early with field goals, Kansas City briefly took the lead in the second, but the Broncos pulled ahead in the second half with touchdowns while the defense held firm.
Postgame Reactions and Implications
The win positions Denver on the brink of clinching the AFC West and strengthens their push for the No. 1 seed, showcasing Sean Payton’s control-oriented style even in an ugly game. For Kansas City, the loss caps a disappointing season marred by injuries, marking their first playoff miss in years and raising questions about the post-dynasty era. This Christmas matchup lacked fireworks but delivered rivalry intensity, with the Broncos emerging as the AFC’s rising force.
