The Kansas City Chiefs’ season took a devastating turn on November 16, 2025, as they fell 19-22 to the Denver Broncos in a tightly contested AFC West matchup at Empower Field at Mile High. This loss dropped the Chiefs to a 5-5 record, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy for the first time in years under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. What was once a dynasty now faces an uphill battle, with the Broncos strengthening their grip on the division lead.
| TEAM | DATE | RUSH YDS | TM | ALIGNMENT | OPP | RESULT | ATT | YPC | RUSH TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 11/16/2025 | 62 | KC | @ | DEN | L 19-22 | 14 | 4.4 | 1 |
The game was a defensive battle, with the Chiefs managing just 311 total offensive yards against Denver’s top-ranked defense. Mahomes threw for 276 yards and one touchdown, connecting with tight end Travis Kelce for a 21-yard score in the fourth quarter that briefly gave Kansas City a 19-16 lead. However, the Broncos responded with two late field goals from Wil Lutz, including a 35-yarder as time expired to seal the victory. The Chiefs’ rushing attack, a persistent weak spot, mustered only 62 yards on 14 carries, though Kareem Hunt punched in a touchdown.
Post-game tensions boiled over during media availability, where Reid appeared to publicly call out Mahomes for the team’s play-calling decisions, particularly regarding run-pass options (RPOs). Reid explained the strategy employed against Denver: “We’re calling quite a few of the RPOs. Yesterday they were giving us quite a few opportunities to run the football. So we utilized the opportunities there, and those things end up being as good as a run… we’re getting four-plus yards and then go with it.”
However, Reid’s comments took a pointed turn when addressing why the runs weren’t materializing as planned. “The runs are being called,” Reid stated bluntly—a brutal five-word message seemingly directed at Mahomes, implying the quarterback was opting for passes instead of handing off. He continued, “It’s just sometimes they get turned into passes in today’s world. You know that’s how it goes. But we’re getting them in.” This subtle shade has been interpreted by many as Reid throwing his star quarterback under the bus for the offensive struggles.
Reid later tempered his remarks in the press conference, giving credit to the Broncos’ defense and emphasizing self-improvement. “Listen, Denver played a good game. They got us today,” he said. “On our side, I’ve got to make sure that we don’t go three-and-out with those last couple offensive series.” Despite the frustration, Reid stressed unity: “We’re all in it together.”
Fans and analysts have reacted strongly to Reid’s comments, viewing them as a sign of fracturing chemistry in Kansas City. Social media erupted with speculation about internal discord. One fan tweeted, “Oh snap!” while another lamented, “All the losing is taking a toll on old man Andy.” A third suggested, “Mahomes will force Andy out and then never reach that level again in KC.” Others pointed to long-standing issues: “They have ignored the RB position when it has been a glaring problem for a few years now.” Some even called for drastic changes, with one saying, “I hope Mahomes asks for a trade.”
Even Taylor Swift fans, often vocal supporters due to her relationship with Kelce, piled on Reid, calling him “washed” for poor game planning.
This marks the latest in a string of losses for the Chiefs, who haven’t been .500 or worse this late in a season since Mahomes became the starter. Their playoff streak, dating back to 2015, is now at risk. Reid addressed the dire situation head-on: “You’ve got to take care of the small things.” He urged the team to focus on the next game against the Indianapolis Colts, saying, “What can you do? You can get yourself ready to play Indianapolis.”
| TEAM | DATE | TM | ALIGNMENT | OPP | RESULT | TD | 1DWN | OFF | OPP OFF | 3DWN% | 4DWN% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 11/16/2025 | KC | @ | DEN | L 19-22 | 2 | 19 | 311 | 342 | 38.5 | 0.0 |
| Chiefs | 1/5/2025 | KC | @ | DEN | L 0-38 | 0 | 5 | 98 | 479 | 11.1 | 50.0 |
| Chiefs | 11/10/2024 | KC | vs | DEN | W 16-14 | 1 | 19 | 300 | 260 | 43.8 | 100.0 |
With seven games remaining, including tough matchups against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving and the Houston Texans, the Chiefs must nearly run the table to salvage their season. The Broncos and Chargers sit ahead in the standings, making an AFC West title unlikely. Mahomes, taking responsibility, said, “We’ve got to get more consistent, and I think that starts with me.”
As losses stack up, the once-unstoppable Chiefs dynasty shows cracks. Whether Reid’s message motivates Mahomes or exacerbates tensions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kansas City is in uncharted territory.