Posted on Nov 17

Chiefs fall to Broncos 22-19; Mahomes takes blame for inconsistency, playoff hopes dim

Posted Nov 17, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Denver Broncos 22-19, marking a significant setback for a team that was once favored in the AFC West.

Why it matters: This loss levels the Chiefs' record at 5-5 and severely impacts their playoff prospects. With only 9% of teams that begin a season 5-5 making the postseason, the Chiefs must correct their course quickly if they hope to compete in January.

By the numbers: The Chiefs odds to win the AFC West have plummeted to +500, the most unfavorable since 2015.

Historically, teams starting with such records struggle to secure postseason berths.
All five of Kansas City's losses this season have come by one score, breaking their record streak of winning 17 consecutive one-score games.

What's new: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes took responsibility for the loss, citing inconsistency as a key issue.

In particular, he missed two critical deep throws to open receivers, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, which could have changed the game's outcome.
Mahomes remarked, "I've just got to make the throw. There's no other way around it."

What to watch: As the season progresses, consistency will be crucial for the Chiefs.

Mahomes himself noted, “I think we're really talented... but it's about being more consistent. I think it starts with me.”
His performance has become a focal point as he navigates through ups and downs, specifically in high-pressure situations.

Yes, but: Despite the loss, the Chiefs remain competitive in the AFC landscape.

They still possess a roster filled with talent and experience, but they need to refine their execution under pressure.
Coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of right decisions, saying, "When you're playing good teams, you've got to do the right things."

The bottom line: To regain their status as contenders, the Chiefs must address their offensive inconsistencies and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Mahomes was sacked on the final drive of the game, illustrating the urgency needed to improve both his decision-making and the offensive line's protection.
As linebacker Nick Bolton put it, “Every week is kind of getting to the point where it's like a playoff week,” underscoring the narrowing window for the Chiefs to turn their season around.

Chiefs fall to Broncos 22-19; Mahomes takes blame for inconsistency, playoff hopes dim

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 17, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Denver Broncos 22-19, marking a significant setback for a team that was once favored in the AFC West.

By the numbers: The Chiefs odds to win the AFC West have plummeted to +500, the most unfavorable since 2015.

Historically, teams starting with such records struggle to secure postseason berths.

All five of Kansas City's losses this season have come by one score, breaking their record streak of winning 17 consecutive one-score games.

What's new: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes took responsibility for the loss, citing inconsistency as a key issue.

In particular, he missed two critical deep throws to open receivers, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton, which could have changed the game's outcome.

Mahomes remarked, "I've just got to make the throw. There's no other way around it."

What to watch: As the season progresses, consistency will be crucial for the Chiefs.

Mahomes himself noted, “I think we're really talented... but it's about being more consistent. I think it starts with me.”

His performance has become a focal point as he navigates through ups and downs, specifically in high-pressure situations.

Yes, but: Despite the loss, the Chiefs remain competitive in the AFC landscape.

They still possess a roster filled with talent and experience, but they need to refine their execution under pressure.

Coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of right decisions, saying, "When you're playing good teams, you've got to do the right things."

The bottom line: To regain their status as contenders, the Chiefs must address their offensive inconsistencies and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Mahomes was sacked on the final drive of the game, illustrating the urgency needed to improve both his decision-making and the offensive line's protection.

As linebacker Nick Bolton put it, “Every week is kind of getting to the point where it's like a playoff week,” underscoring the narrowing window for the Chiefs to turn their season around.