If you’d told a Chiefs fan two years ago that Patrick Mahomes would be watching a Christmas night game from a luxury suite while a third-stringer struggled to find Travis Kelce in the end zone, they’d have laughed you out of the room. But that’s exactly what happened. The most recent Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos score of 20-13 in favor of Denver wasn't just another December loss. It was a massive statement. It signaled that the power dynamic in the AFC West has shifted, maybe for the first time in a decade.
Denver came into Arrowhead on December 25, 2025, and did something they haven’t done since the Peyton Manning era. They won. Not just won, but they swept the season series. They looked like the more composed, more dangerous team. Honestly, the final 20-13 margin feels closer than the game actually was, especially considering the Chiefs were playing without Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew.
The Christmas Night Shocker: 20-13 Denver
The game was ugly. Let's be real. With Mahomes sidelined due to a torn knee ligament, the Chiefs turned to Chris Oladokun. He tried. You've got to give the guy credit for his first NFL start, finishing 13-of-22 for 66 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos’ defense, coached by Sean Payton, is a different beast these days.
Bo Nix didn't have to be a superhero. He just had to be efficient. He went 26-of-38 for 182 yards and a touchdown, adding another score on the ground. The defining moment? A late fourth-quarter drive where Bo Nix found R.J. Harvey in the back of the end zone. That play sealed the 20-13 victory and basically buried the Chiefs’ hopes of a late-season miracle.
Key Stats from the December 25 Matchup
- Final Score: Broncos 20, Chiefs 13
- Total Yards: Denver outgained KC 303 to 139.
- Time of Possession: Denver held the ball for nearly 40 minutes (39:28 to be exact).
- The Difference Maker: An offsides penalty by Chris Jones on 4th down that gave Denver a fresh set of downs to score the winning TD.
Why the November 16 Score Changed Everything
Before the Christmas game, there was the November 16 battle at Mile High. That Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos score was 22-19. That one hurt more for Kansas City fans because Patrick Mahomes was actually on the field.
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Wil Lutz, the Broncos' kicker, hit a 35-yard field goal as time expired. It was pure redemption. The year before, Lutz had a similar kick blocked at Arrowhead. This time? He nailed it. It ended the Broncos' losing streak against Mahomes and proved that Bo Nix could go toe-to-toe with the best in the world.
The Chiefs actually led 19-16 late in the fourth after a Mahomes touchdown pass to Travis Kelce. But a blocked extra point by Denver’s Frank Crum kept it a three-point game. That missed point loomed large. Denver tied it with a 54-yarder and then marched down the field for the win.
The 38-0 Shutout: A New Low for Kansas City
If you want to talk about the absolute turning point, you have to look back to January 5, 2025. This was the regular-season finale of the previous season. The Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos score was a staggering 38-0.
Sure, the Chiefs were resting starters. They had already clinched their playoff spot. But 38-0 is a drubbing regardless of who is on the field. It was the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry. Bo Nix threw for a touchdown to Marvin Mims Jr. early and the Broncos never looked back.
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It felt like the moment the Broncos stopped being scared of the red and gold. They realized the "Chiefs Mystique" was breakable.
Historical Context of the Rivalry (2025 Edition)
- December 25, 2025: Broncos 20, Chiefs 13 (Denver sweeps season series)
- November 16, 2025: Broncos 22, Chiefs 19 (The Wil Lutz redemption game)
- January 5, 2025: Broncos 38, Chiefs 0 (The historic shutout)
- November 10, 2024: Chiefs 16, Broncos 14 (The last time KC won)
What Most People Get Wrong About These Scores
People love to blame the injuries. They say, "Oh, if Mahomes was healthy, the score would be different." Maybe. But look at the defense. The Broncos' defense, led by Ja'Quan McMillian, has been terrorizing Kansas City regardless of who is under center.
In the 22-19 game, McMillian had two sacks and an interception on Mahomes. This isn't just about a "lucky" win because of a backup QB. The Broncos have built a roster specifically designed to stop the Chiefs' offensive scheme. They play heavy press-man coverage and dare the Chiefs' receivers—who have struggled with drops all year—to win one-on-one.
Most experts, like those at CBS Sports and ESPN, noted that Denver's time of possession has been the real killer. They are "mush-rushing" and keeping the ball out of the hands of the Chiefs' playmakers.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you are tracking the Kansas City Chiefs Denver Broncos score for betting or just for the love of the game, here is what you need to watch for in 2026.
Watch the Turnover Margin
In the last three meetings, Denver is +4 in turnovers. Kansas City’s offense has become uncharacteristically sloppy. Until they clean up the fumbles and interceptions, the scorelines will continue to favor the Broncos.
Monitor the Injury Report
Obviously, the health of Mahomes is the #1 factor for the 2026 season opener. But don't sleep on the offensive line. The Chiefs struggled in the 20-13 loss because they couldn't protect Oladokun. If the line doesn't get a talent infusion, any QB they put back there is going to be a sitting duck.
The Bo Nix Factor
Nix has matured. He’s no longer the "check-down king." He’s making intermediate throws to Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin that move the chains. His ability to run for first downs—as seen in his 9-yard TD scramble on Christmas—is something the Chiefs haven't had to account for against Denver in a long time.
The rivalry has officially been reset. The days of 16 straight Chiefs wins are over. Now, it’s a dogfight every time these two teams meet.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, focus on the trench battle. The Broncos' defensive front has consistently won the line of scrimmage in these low-scoring affairs. If the Chiefs can't re-establish their rushing game with Kareem Hunt or Isiah Pacheco, the point totals will likely stay under 40. Keep an eye on the 2026 schedule release to see if these two are slated for another primetime showdown, as their recent scores have made them the most "watchable" rivalry in the AFC West again.