The Denver Broncos orchestrated some fourth-quarter magic led by Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, and Troy Franklin that sends them into the bye week at 9-2 after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 22-19.

The Broncos are for real. How did it happen?

Broncos offense finds life in the second half, capitalizes off Ja’Quan McMillian’s big day

Bo Nix and the Broncos offense led one of their most impressive drives at a crucial juncture in the second half on Sunday after Ja’Quan McMillian intercepted Patrick Mahomes. Penalties on the return backed the Broncos offense up, but Nix delivered a touchdown leading drive on an 11-play 89-yard drive.

Nix’s connection with Troy Franklin on 3rd and 8 for 35 yards was crucial, extending the drive. Courtland Sutton’s 13-yard catch kept them moving on first down, and Jaleel McLaughlin and RJ Harvey gave Denver a boost with several runs, including McLaughlin’s four-yard touchdown run, his first of the season, to give Denver a 13-6 lead.

The Chiefs answered right back with a touchdown drive of their own, after giving up a 61-yard pass on third down, capped off by Kareem Hunt punching it in.

Kansas City found themselves going backwards on a few plays on their ensuing drive, but capitalized on a Riley Moss defensive pass interference on 3rd and 19 that accounted for 40 yards, capped off by a Travis Kelce touchdown.

Denver’s defense was tired and worn down.

Trailing 19-16 and needing to get a defensive stop with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Kris Abrams-Draine closed in on a Patrick Mahomes pass on 3rd and 2 to force a KC punt.

With a 19-19 tie with four minutes left, Ja’Quan McMillian’s sack of Mahomes on third down gave the Broncos offense another shot to potentially drive and win the game.

Nix came up big on 3rd and 15 and found Courtland Sutton for a 20-yard gain right at the two-minute warning. Sutton came up again on third down several plays later for another first down.

Then the biggest play of the game. On 2nd and 8, Nix dialed up a downfield shot to Franklin for 32 yards, putting Denver in easy field goal range and forcing the Chiefs to burn their final timeout, with Denver on the 15-yard line.

Wil Lutz from 35 yards booted it in to send Denver to 9-2 and into the bye week as top dawgs in the AFC.

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