Broncos win close game against Chiefs after late penalty stops Mahomes

The Denver Broncos secured a narrow 28-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a closely contested AFC West matchup, NBC News reported. The game was decided in the final seconds after a false start penalty negated a potential game-winning touchdown pass from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Trailing by four points with just four seconds left and the ball at the 1-yard line, Mahomes initially threw a touchdown pass to receiver Rashee Rice. However, a false start penalty on offensive tackle Jaylon Moore pushed the Chiefs back five yards, forcing a final play from the 6-yard line.

On the last play, Mahomes was sacked, ending the Chiefs' comeback attempt and handing the Broncos the win. This victory improved Denver's record to 6-2 and Kansas City's to 5-2. The Broncos now hold the NFL's best record in one-score games over the past two seasons, with a 16-2 mark in such contests.

The game was part of a season marked by close finishes, with NBC News noting that 71 games this season have been decided by one score or less, tying a record since the 1970 merger. Chiefs coach Andy Reid expressed uncertainty about the penalty call, saying he only saw a head movement but did not clearly see a penalty.

The outcome has also intensified discussions about the job security of Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who has faced scrutiny in recent games.