What We Learned from Denver Broncos 20-13 Victory Over Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL Christmas Day schedule for 2025 delivered a defensive slugfest as the Denver Broncos traveled to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs. In a game that was much tighter than experts predicted, Denver emerged with a 20-13 victory. This win not only solidified Denver’s standing at the top of the AFC but also marked a significant psychological milestone for a franchise that has historically struggled in Kansas City.
The Broncos entered the contest as heavy favorites, facing a Chiefs squad missing Patrick Mahomes due to a season ending injury. Despite the lopsided expectations, the game turned into a masterclass in ball control and situational football. Here is a deep dive into what we learned from this holiday divisional clash.
The Rise of Bo Nix and Sustained Ball Control
One of the primary takeaways from this victory was the poise shown by second year quarterback Bo Nix. While his final stat line of 182 passing yards might seem modest, his ability to manage the game and orchestrate long, time consuming drives was the difference maker. Denver controlled the clock for nearly 40 minutes, effectively keeping the Kansas City offense off the field.
Nix proved his dual threat capability by scoring a rushing touchdown on a nine yard scramble in the third quarter. However, his most impressive moment came with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. With the game tied 13-13, Nix led a 14 play, 65 yard drive that culminated in a one yard touchdown pass to rookie running back RJ Harvey. This drive showcased Nix’s ability to remain calm under pressure and convert crucial third downs when the game was on the line.
A Defensive Battle at Arrowhead
The Kansas City Chiefs may be out of the playoff hunt, but their defense played with the intensity of a championship contender. Led by veteran Chris Jones, the Chiefs' defensive unit made Denver earn every yard. They forced the Broncos into settling for field goals on their first two red zone trips and even intercepted Nix early in the game to set up a short field for their own offense.
Conversely, the Denver defense remained the backbone of the team. They limited the Chiefs to a mere 139 total yards and forced backup quarterback Chris Oladokun into difficult situations all night. While Oladokun showed flashes of "Mahomes like" magic on a few scrambles, the Broncos' secondary and pass rush ultimately smothered any hopes of a Kansas City comeback. The game ended with a turnover on downs as Denver’s defense held firm in the final seconds, preventing a potential game tying drive.
The Significance of the Victory
For Denver, this win was about more than just the 2025 standings. It was the first time since 2014 that the Broncos managed to sweep the season series against the Chiefs. Furthermore, it ended a decade long drought of December wins at Arrowhead Stadium. Winning in such a hostile environment, regardless of who is under center for the opponent, provides the momentum Denver needs as they eye the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The victory moves Denver to 13-3 on the season. They now sit on the verge of clinching the AFC West title and securing a first round bye in the playoffs. Head Coach Sean Payton has successfully transformed the culture in Denver, emphasizing a "find a way to win" mentality that was evident throughout this Christmas Day battle.
Looking Ahead to the Postseason
While the win was celebratory, it also highlighted areas for improvement. The Broncos were plagued by several dropped passes, including a would-be touchdown by Courtland Sutton that could have put the game away much earlier. Additionally, the running game struggled to find a consistent rhythm against the Chiefs' front seven.
As the Broncos head into their final regular season matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, they know the stakes are high. A win next week guarantees them the top spot in the conference and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. For a team that has spent years in the shadow of Kansas City, this Christmas Day win felt like a symbolic passing of the torch in the AFC West.