The Denver Broncos’ third touchdown of the first half was the most unusual one.
On a first-and-goal from the Chiefs’ 3-yard line, Bo Nix dropped back and tried to throw a pass to tight end Adam Trautman near the goalpost. However, Chiefs cornerback Nazeeh Johnson tipped the ball away, then tipped it again, and cornerback Keith Taylor got his hand on the ball a third time, knocking it slightly backward and back into the field of play.
Devaughn Vele, diving, managed to catch the ball just before it hit the ground. This play gave the Broncos a 21-0 lead with 11:05 remaining in the first half. It was Nix’s 28th touchdown pass of the season.
With their playoff hopes at stake, the Broncos turned to an inventive play for their opening touchdown.
Facing a Kansas City Chiefs defense with many backups on the field — as the Chiefs had already clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a playoff bye — the Broncos were on a first-and-10 from the Chiefs’ 32-yard line.
Quarterback Bo Nix took the snap, faked a handoff to running back Javonte Williams, and then faked a flip to wide receiver Troy Franklin, who was in motion behind him. Nix quickly turned to his right and tossed the ball to Marvin Mims Jr.
Mims ran untouched into the end zone for the score. The touchdown put the Broncos up 7-0 with 11 minutes and 55 seconds left in the first quarter. It was the first possession of the game, and Mims’ third touchdown in the last five quarters of play.
With this win, the Broncos secured the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot.
