(Denver) Linebacker Nick Bolton returned a fumble 86 yards for a touchdown, helping the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Denver Broncos 28-24 on Saturday.
Thanks to their 13e back-to-back win over the Broncos, the Chiefs (12-5) kept their hopes of finishing first in the American Association and enjoying a week off in the playoffs alive.
The Kansas City squad need a surprise victory for the Houston Texans over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday or else they’ll have to settle for second.
“We’re ready to go up against anyone and anytime,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes insisted.
Chiefs star receiver Tyreek Hill would certainly benefit from the leave. He injured a heel during pre-game warm-ups and was limited to a reception for two yards.
While Hill was injured, Mecole Hardman took his game to the next level and caught eight balls for 103 yards.
“No one is like Tyreek. He’s a special player we’ve never seen in this league, Mahomes explained. Mecole approaches it. He was prepared for this moment. ”
The Broncos (7-10) were leading 21-20 and were in position to land another touchdown when Melvin Ingram III missed running back Noah Fant and lost the ball to Melvin Gordon.
Bolton recovered the ball and ran 86 yards to give the Chiefs their biggest lead of the night. Mahomes then made the two-point convert himself.
Quarterback Drew Lock and the Broncos quickly moved into position to register a major, but head coach Vic Fangio relied on a third-down field goal at the 13-line instead.
Brandon McManus sent the ball between the posts for 31 yards, but the Broncos were trailing by four runs and they had to score a touchdown if they could stop Mahomes. It was not the case.
On the third down and eight yards to go at the Broncos’ 11 line, Mahomes spotted Travis Kelce for an 11-yard gain. The Chiefs were able to get through the last two minutes of play.
The loss put the finishing touches on the Broncos’ fifth straight losing season and the team have not made the playoffs for the past six years.
Jerick McKinnon cleared three tackles for a 14-yard touchdown that put the Chiefs up 17-14 in the third quarter.
Lock responded with a 31-yard pass to Tim Patrick on the third down, and Gordon then ran 47 yards into the end zone to give the Broncos a 21-17 lead in the fourth quarter.
Harrison Butker’s 51-yard field goal allowed the Chiefs to close the lead 21-20 early in the fourth quarter.