Forget about winning the AFC West. Mahomes, Chiefs risk missing playoffs after loss to Broncos

DENVER (AP) — At this point in the season, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are generally headed toward another division title and are touted as Super Bowl favorites.

Instead, they lose the close games they used to win and, at 5-5, they look to the AFC West against the Denver Broncos (9-2) and Los Angeles Chargers (7-4).

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This is brand new territory for Mahomes and the surprised Chiefs.

Sunday’s 22-19 loss to the Broncos on Wil Lutz’s 35-yard field goal as time expired made a record 10th straight division crown. The Chiefs are currently not in playoff position; they haven’t missed the playoffs since 2014.

Rarely have the Chiefs looked so vulnerable – or perhaps so dangerous?

They’re counting on experience from five of the last six Super Bowls — winning three — to spark a late-season surge. But time is running out with seven matches remaining. They need to be 5-2 to reach double-digit wins, something coach Andy Reid has done every season except one since arriving in KC in 2013.

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“We’re in a great place, probably not the most amazing place or what we’re used to, but we still have an opportunity,” defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “Give me an opportunity, that’s all we ask.”

In recent seasons, Kansas City was so accustomed to winning close games that it almost seemed inevitable. The Chiefs were 12-0 in one-score games a season ago, extending their NFL record to 17 straight triumphs in games decided by eight points or fewer.

This season they are 0-5.

The Chiefs had the ball with just over four minutes left in a tie game Sunday. This is typically Mahomes’ recipe for magic. But the Broncos defense forced a three-and-out, and KC didn’t get the ball back.

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“It sucks. Don’t get me wrong,” said Mahomes, who was sacked three times and intercepted once while throwing for 276 yards and a score. “You have to feel that way. But you have to be able to use that energy to push it into next week, into the rest of the season.

“We’ve lost some close games lately, but we’ve played some good football in fits and starts. It’s just a matter of being more consistent.”

The Chiefs were facing a struggling team in the Broncos, who were missing their best cornerback (Pat Surtain II) and running back (JK Dobbins) as well as their best tackle (Alex Singleton). Relying on a strong defense, the Broncos found a way to persevere to earn their eighth straight victory.

And they pushed the Chiefs to the brink. But Kansas City’s hopes are fueled by the fact that its three toughest remaining games will all be at home, starting next weekend with Indianapolis (8-2).

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“The goal is to get to the playoffs and try to get there,” Mahomes said. “We’re at that point where we have to find a way to win football games.”

The Chiefs were out of sync despite starting the game well-rested after a bye. It started early, with Mahomes failing to connect on three deep passes on the first series. Mahomes also threw an interception in the red zone in the third quarter.

The Chiefs committed 10 penalties for 69 yards. Harrison Butker blocked an extra point.

Kansas City’s defense had an opportunity to bail out the offense. But on a third-and-15 at the Denver 21 with 2:05 left, Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a 20-yard gain. A few plays later, Nix completed a 32-yard pass to Troy Franklin that set up Lutz’s game-winning kick.

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“It’s frustrating,” cornerback Trent McDuffie said. “After the game, I told everyone, ‘We can’t let our heads down. We have a whole year ahead of us.’ Positivity is everything, and we’re just getting back to work. We just have to get back to the KC defense.

There was a milestone — Travis Kelce caught a 21-yard pass from Mahomes for his franchise-record 84th touchdown. That gave the Chiefs a 19-16 lead with 9:57 left.

“He deserves it,” Mahomes said. “He’s a leader.”

What the Chiefs need right now – Kelce, Mahomes and the rest of their veterans.

“It wasn’t always just championships. We faced adversity,” Mahomes said. “Obviously, it’s something we haven’t addressed this early in the season, but at the same time, I know the guys in this locker room and I know how they’re going to react.

“All we can do is stay together and push ourselves to be even better and try to do what we can to win next week.”

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