Since 2016, the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos have clashed numerous times in one of the AFC West’s most enduring rivalries. Over this span, the Chiefs have maintained a significant upper hand, making recent seasons challenging for Denver as they seek to reassert themselves in the division. Here is a closer look at notable moments that have shaped the rivalry over the past nine years.
In 2016, the teams met for a memorable Sunday Night Football game that ended with a 30-27 overtime win for Kansas City. A missed 62-yard field goal attempt by Denver in the extra period gave the Chiefs favorable field position, leading to Cairo Santos’ winning kick that bounced off the upright and through.
Later that year, the Chiefs secured another tight victory, 33-10, helping solidify their grip on the division standings. Their dominance continued into 2017 as they swept the season series, with notable performances from quarterback Alex Smith and rookie running back Kareem Hunt.
When Patrick Mahomes took over as Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018, the dynamic of the rivalry shifted further. In his second career start, Mahomes led a fourth-quarter comeback in Denver, sealing a 27-23 victory with an improvised left-handed pass to Tyreek Hill.
The Chiefs continued their winning streak over the Broncos through 2019 and 2020, including a 43-16 win in Denver during the 2020 season, where all three phases of the game contributed—special teams, defense, and offense.
Although the Broncos showed flashes of competitive play, they were unable to break the streak until later in the 2020s, with several close matchups highlighting Denver’s attempts to turn their fortunes around.
These contests have featured dramatic finishes, standout individual performances, and implications for playoff seeding. Despite Denver’s efforts, Kansas City has consistently emerged with the upper hand, making recent victories over the Chiefs especially significant for the Broncos’ ambitions moving forward.
As both teams continue to evolve, fans and players alike view each matchup as a pivotal chapter in a storied AFC West rivalry.
