Denver stopped Kansas City four times inside the 10-yard line in the final seconds to take the AFC West lead.
Denver trailed 24-13 in the fourth quarter but scored 15 consecutive points, including a go-ahead touchdown from rookie Jonah Coleman, to beat Kansas City 28-24. It was Sean Payton's 200th career victory, including the postseason, and the Broncos' fourth comeback win of the season.
The Chiefs had their chances. Harrison Butker missed a 54-yard field goal wide right with 2:31 remaining after Alex Singleton sacked Patrick Mahomes for a 6-yard loss. Kansas City got the ball back with 1:56 left and drove to Denver's 1-yard line, but the Broncos' defense held them out of the end zone on four straight tries to seal it. A false start penalty also wiped out a potential go-ahead touchdown for Kansas City late in the game, part of 11 penalties that cost the Chiefs 105 yards on the night.
Travis Kelce, who caught five passes for 62 yards, said after the game that players need to take responsibility for executing Andy Reid's plays rather than blaming the coaching staff. The loss was Kansas City's second in a row and dropped them to 5-2, now behind Denver, who improved to 6-2 atop the AFC West.