What it means: The Broncos have won six straight games and are now 8-3. They can clinch the AFC West title next week. The Chiefs fell to 1-10. They are tied for the worst start in team history. The Chiefs have lost eight straight games and are on pace to get the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Chiefs are 0-6 at home for the first time since 1976. The Chiefs have scored 15 points in the past two games -- all on field goals.
Broncos flat, Chiefs spirited: The Chiefs gave it all they could and they outplayed Denver for much of the first half. But good teams find a way to win when they aren’t having a great day and bad teams find ways to lose. That’s what happened Sunday. The game snapped a streak in which Denver scored at least 30 points at five games.
Moreno helps: Denver running back Knowshon Moreno was a surprise starter after being inactive for eight straight games. He was chosen as the starter after Willis McGahee suffered a knee injury. He won’t be back until the AFC title game if Denver makes it. Moreno got better as the game went on as he had 85 yards on 20 carries. In total, Denver had 95 rushing yards on 24 carries.
Quinn manages: The Chiefs plan on Brady Quinn being the starting quarterback for the rest of the season. Don’t expect him to air it out much. The Chiefs ran the ball 31 times and threw it 26 times, with Peyton Hillis getting to throw a pass. Quinn was 13-of-25 for 126 yards. He didn’t do much to help his team and he didn’t do much to hurt it.
Manning passes boss: Denver quarterback Peyton Manning won his 149th game as a starting NFL quarterback. He passed John Elway for second place on the all-time list.
Thomas reaches milestone: Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas had four catches for 82 yards. He now has 1,015 receiving yards on the season. It is the third-year player’s first 1,000-yard season, which may end in the Pro Bowl.
What’s next: Denver hosts Tampa Bay in what should be an entertaining cross-conference game. Kansas City hosts Carolina in a less attractive AFC West-NFC South battle.