The Kansas City Chiefs' 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders was highlighted by the return of star receiver Rashee Rice and a dominating defensive performance. One that was aided by a Los Angeles Chargers loss, helping the Chiefs improve their AFC West standing against two division rivals. A perfect day that was only ruined by an improbable New York Giants collapse. The Denver Broncos maintained control over the AFC West with a 33-point 4th quarter that defied logic. How Denver completed the comeback remains impossible to comprehend.
After being held to 0 points through the first three quarters, the Broncos were unstoppable in the final frame. Bo Nix took advantage of blown coverages and a poorly timed Jaxson Dart turnover. Still, it is impossible to believe that the Giants bungled the lead as completely as they did. It defies logic that a team could so quickly fold and give up what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. Even after completing the comeback, the Giants had an answer with the late go-ahead touchdown, missing the extra point to leave the door open.
Chiefs' Perfect Sunday Ruined Only by Denver's Improbable Comeback
Denver hit two big plays to get within field goal range and was able to hit the walk-off in the only blemish in what was otherwise a great Sunday for Kansas City. This is a continued theme for the Broncos, who pulled a game out of the fire in a similar fashion against the Philadelphia Eagles. So much of what the Broncos have accomplished is built around their defense and great coaching. The offense has struggled, reaching nowhere close to the heights of the Chiefs, but still, Denver remains in divisional control.
With that said, the Chiefs still have plenty of time to change this by playing the Broncos on Nov. 16 and Dec. 25. A matchup that should heavily favor Kansas City based on the offensive talent and the Chiefs' ability to spread the ball around a secondary that has struggled at times in recent weeks.
As nice as it would've been for KC to have completely taken control of the division by now, it is ideal to have clear motivation. So often, Kansas City has run away with the AFC and the AFC West, the end of the season is predictably boring. Giving an experienced roster all the more reason to maintain its focus on the road ahead.
Something that has been understandably difficult at times for a team whose real season doesn't begin until January. Making the lone AFC win outside of Kansas City perhaps a blessing in its ability to keep the roster locked in heading into the second half of the season.