Broncos top Chiefs to lead AFC West

The Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field.

The win improves Denver’s record to 6-2 and places the team first in the AFC West for the first time this season. The Broncos have now won four consecutive games.

Head coach Sean Payton said his team still has work to do, noting that the offense was timely rather than terrific. Denver scored 28 points but managed only 294 total offensive yards. Since Payton took over play-calling, the team has converted 9 of 48 third-down attempts.

The victory puts the Broncos in a strong position before their bye week and the upcoming trade deadline. General manager George Paton and Payton must decide if the current roster is enough to sustain a playoff run. Denver entered the game averaging 20.6 points per game, ranking 25th in the NFL. The team has less than $5 million in cap space after trading for Jaylen Waddle this spring.

Broncos running back Jonah Coleman played a pivotal role in the win. He recorded 104 offensive yards and a touchdown on 15 touches. Coleman returned to action after missing four games with an ankle sprain. He caught a 51-yard pass and scored on a five-yard run late in the fourth quarter to secure the lead. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey said the team knew Coleman had potential from the start.

Wide receiver Troy Franklin also made key contributions. He blocked for quarterback Bo Nix on a 62-yard touchdown run against Arizona last week. In Sunday’s game, Franklin drew the attention of safety Chris Roland-Wallace on fourth down, allowing Jaylen Waddle to score. Franklin also helped open up the lane for Coleman’s long catch. Franklin said he tried to soften up defenders to help Nix reach the end zone.

The Broncos are inquiring about Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor, a source told The Denver Post. Taylor has averaged 1,266 rushing yards over his first six seasons. The 27-year-old has never played in the postseason. Other potential targets include Tennessee’s Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, as well as New Orleans’ Alvin Kamara. The decision hinges on whether the coaching staff believes the current group can improve without major additions.