The Broncos improve to 9-2, in firm control of the AFC West, while the Chiefs are on the outside looking in on a playoff berth

The Kansas City Chiefs came up shy against the AFC West division-leading Denver Broncos in what felt like a must-win game. Here's how the Chiefs quarterback performed, and some insight was provided postgame from the man himself.

The Eagles look good enough to repeat, at least on one side of the ball; the Broncos remain red hot after taking down the Chiefs.

The Chiefs, though, answered with a six-play, 75-yard drive that included a 61-yard reception by Thornton to the Denver 11. Kansas City cashed in on Kareem Hunt’s 2-yard run. The teams are now tied 13-13.

When a team excels in all three phases of the game, it gives them a chance to beat quality opponents. The Broncos getting it done in all three phases says a lot, particularly against the defending AFC champion Chiefs, who've also won the division for the past nine years.

But the Chiefs are absolutely in trouble, falling to 5-5 after Sunday’s 22-19 loss to the Broncos. They’re 0-5 in one-score games, and tight end Travis Kelce couldn’t hide his frustration, declining to speak to reporters except to say, “If you’re going to ask me about the [Chiefs’ all-time touchdown] record, I could care less about that right now.”