Bo Nix adds another late comeback to Broncos’ winning tradition

The Denver Broncos rallied to beat the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on November 1, scoring 15 points in the final 8:55 and stopping Kansas City on fourth-and-goal near the end. The win put Denver at 6-2, half a game ahead of the Chiefs in the AFC West.

Bo Nix directed the comeback, recording the 15th fourth-quarter or overtime game-winning drive of his career. He surpassed Dak Prescott for the highest total by a player during his first three pro seasons in the period following the 1970 merger of the AFL and NFL. Including a playoff comeback against Buffalo last season, Nix has produced 16 in 44 starts.

The Broncos have long been associated with late-game wins by their quarterbacks. John Elway had 40 game-winning drives in 16 seasons with Denver, while Peyton Manning had 54 in four seasons there. Nix has delivered those moments in 36% of his starts, including the playoffs, compared with 21% for Elway and 18% for Manning.

Denver has now won 15 straight games decided by one score, dating to last season. Coach Sean Payton said the team’s previous success helps build belief, though he cautioned that it cannot be taken for granted. Tackle Mike McGlinchey praised the defense’s stand against Kansas City in the final seconds.

The comeback followed a difficult third quarter, when Denver went three-and-out on all three possessions. The Broncos converted both of their fourth-down attempts, but made only 10 of 48 third downs during their four-game winning streak. They also gave up a 44-yard kickoff return late, helping set up the Chiefs’ final possession.

Denver hosts the Carolina Panthers next weekend. The Broncos also hope to have safety Talanoa Hufanga back after an ankle injury; cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and safety Brandon Jones left Sunday’s game with injuries.