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Kansas City, December 26, 2025 — In a festive yet fiercely competitive AFC West showdown, the Denver Broncos (now 13-3) overcame a plucky Kansas City Chiefs squad (6-10) with a 23-16 victory on Thursday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The Christmas Day primetime clash, broadcast on Prime Video, saw rookie sensation Bo Nix lead Denver's charge while third-string QB Chris Oladokun delivered a valiant effort for the injury-ravaged Chiefs.
The game remained tight throughout, with both teams trading leads and field goals in a low-scoring affair fitting for the holiday undercard. Denver struck first with a Wil Lutz field goal on an extended opening drive, but Kansas City answered with a creative touchdown connection from Oladokun to rookie Brashard Smith — the first career TD pass and reception for both players.
Bo Nix's legs proved decisive in the second half. After Kansas City tied the game at 13 with a Harrison Butker 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter (set up by a dazzling punt return from Smith), Nix orchestrated a crucial drive. He scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter to reclaim the lead and later added a key rushing first down as time wound down. Lutz sealed the win with a late field goal, capping a performance where Denver controlled the clock (over 36 minutes of possession) and limited the Chiefs' explosive plays.Here are some intense moments from the Christmas night rivalry:
Bo Nix celebrates after a key rushing TD:The Chiefs showed heart despite missing Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew to season-ending knee injuries, with Oladokun showing poise in his first NFL start and Chris Jones delivering a drive-killing sack on Nix late in the game. Travis Kelce added emotional weight to the contest amid speculation it could be his final home game in Arrowhead.
For Sean Payton's Broncos, the win strengthens their grip on the AFC West crown and keeps them in contention for the No. 1 seed in the conference, with one week remaining. Kansas City, already eliminated from playoff contention, played spoiler but fell short in a season of transition.Denver now heads home for a Week 18 finale, while the Chiefs close out their campaign next week. A holiday classic that delivered drama, defense, and a statement win for the surging Broncos.
Bo Nix's legs proved decisive in the second half. After Kansas City tied the game at 13 with a Harrison Butker 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter (set up by a dazzling punt return from Smith), Nix orchestrated a crucial drive. He scrambled for a 9-yard touchdown in the third quarter to reclaim the lead and later added a key rushing first down as time wound down. Lutz sealed the win with a late field goal, capping a performance where Denver controlled the clock (over 36 minutes of possession) and limited the Chiefs' explosive plays.Here are some intense moments from the Christmas night rivalry:
Bo Nix celebrates after a key rushing TD:The Chiefs showed heart despite missing Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew to season-ending knee injuries, with Oladokun showing poise in his first NFL start and Chris Jones delivering a drive-killing sack on Nix late in the game. Travis Kelce added emotional weight to the contest amid speculation it could be his final home game in Arrowhead.
For Sean Payton's Broncos, the win strengthens their grip on the AFC West crown and keeps them in contention for the No. 1 seed in the conference, with one week remaining. Kansas City, already eliminated from playoff contention, played spoiler but fell short in a season of transition.Denver now heads home for a Week 18 finale, while the Chiefs close out their campaign next week. A holiday classic that delivered drama, defense, and a statement win for the surging Broncos.