On Christmas night, the Kansas City Chiefs collected a 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos, turning in a competitive performance that came up short in the closing moments. Here are three instant takeaways
from the loss.
1. Steve Spagnuolo had the defense ready to go
To keep the game within reach, Kansas City leaned heavily on its defense — despite missing starting cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The pass coverage limited explosive plays, while the run defense held firm enough to force Denver into 18 third downs.
Denver’s backfield finished with 86 rushing yards on 23 carries, with its longest gain a 15-yard run on third-and-2. Linebacker Nick Bolton consistently diagnosed plays quickly, piling up 12 tackles and delivering the game’s most impactful moment for Kansas City. After cornerback Kristian Fulton deflected a pass, Bolton secured the interception that set up the Chiefs’ lone touchdown.
Fulton’s impact went beyond that turnover. His late breakup helped create the interception, and he finished the night with three disruptions at the catch point. Overall, Kansas City defenders got hands on five different passes.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones recorded his fifth sack of the season — highlighting a pass rush that bothered quarterback Bo Nix — but struggled to finish in critical situations. A fourth-quarter blitz on third-and-10 opened the middle of the field, allowing Denver to convert and flip field position.
That conversion helped spark Denver’s third scoring drive in its final four possessions, as the Broncos again showed an ability to close out a tight, low-scoring game.
2. Brashard Smith flashed playmaking ability
Rookie running back Brashard Smith touched the ball only eight times, but he maximized those opportunities and stood out in limited usage.
Following Bolton’s interception in the second quarter, Kansas City faced third-and-goal from the five-yard line. Smith leaked into the flat, caught a short pass and slipped past linebacker Alex Singleton’s tackle attempt to stay upright and reach the end zone.
Smith’s explosiveness showed again on a 44-yard punt return in the fourth quarter, the longest play of the day for Kansas City. He followed his blocks and accelerated down the left sideline, setting up a game-tying field goal.
3. It came down to the little things
In a game where Kansas City had little to lose, the overall effort was encouraging — and it forced Denver to fight until the end.
Still, the margin for error was thin. The offense managed just 139 total yards and held the ball for only 20:32. Early in the game, wideout Xavier Worthy appeared poised for a significant catch-and-run, but stepped out of bounds to erase the gain. The play reflected a recurring offensive issue this season — and remains a coaching point for Worthy, who has struggled with sideline awareness.
Penalties were largely cleaned up, but the most damaging one came at a decisive moment. On fourth-and-1 after the two-minute warning, Denver opted to go for it rather than attempt a go-ahead field goal. Jones drew an offsides flag, gifting the Broncos a new set of downs that ultimately produced the winning touchdown.
On third-and-goal from the five, Nix rolled right and extended the play until running back R.J. Harvey separated from safety Bryan Cook in the back of the end zone. Cook was in position, but tighter coverage could have changed the outcome.
Needing a touchdown to force overtime, quarterback Chris Oladokun led a late drive that picked up two first downs and reached the Denver 26-yard line. On fourth-and-8, his end-zone throw sailed just beyond Hollywood Brown’s reach, ending the comeback bid.
Still, the Chiefs turned in a valiant effort against one of the AFC’s top teams.
