Three turnovers. Three fourth-down stops. One pick-6 to seal a fifth straight win, and the Chiefs defense came through again in Kansas City’s 22-9 win over the Denver Broncos.
Patrick Mahomes had just 184 yards passing with a touchdown run and an interception, and his receiving corps dropped several passes. But despite the Chiefs (8-4) gaining 257 yards of total offense, they managed to keep a one-game lead on the Chargers thanks to the defensive side of the ball.
Teddy Bridgewater was held to 257 yards passing for the Broncos (6-6), who have lost 12 in a row to their longtime rival dating to the 2015 season. The Broncos are 3-20 in December when playing at Kansas City dating to the days of the AFL.
The Chiefs host Las Vegas Sunday in another key AFC West matchup.