Chiefs vs. Broncos score, takeaways: Patrick Mahomes overcomes turnovers; Russell Wilson exits with concussion

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos, 34-28, on Sunday in a game where Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns as well as three interceptions, and Russell Wilson left with a concussion. With their 10th straight loss, the Broncos were eliminated from playoff contention. The Chiefs improved to 10-3.

Wilson was ruled out in the fourth quarter with a concussion after he tried to run the ball in for a touchdown and was tackled short of the goal line, with his head hitting the turf. Backup Brett Rypien came in for the Broncos.

On what could have easily been a throwaway play early in the contest, Mahomes connected with Jerick McKinnon on a no-look shovel pass, and McKinnon took it 56 yards to the house. The Chiefs went up 13-0.

McKinnon found the end zone again in the second quarter, this time on a 10-yard reception to extend the Chiefs lead to 20-0.

The Chiefs defense got the team in the end zone for the third time in the game with a pick-six from Willie Gay.

The Broncos got on the board twice in the second quarter, both touchdowns coming from Jerry Jeudy. The first was an 18-yard reception and the second was a 5-yard catch with just nine seconds left in the half. Denver's two touchdowns came following Mahomes interceptions.

The Broncos came out big in the second half with a 66-yard touchdown reception from Marlon Mack. Kansas City responded with a JuJu Smith-Schuster touchdown to put them up 34-21.

Wilson was marching down the field and helped set the Broncos up for a touchdown, but was shaken up and had to head to the sideline. Brett Rypien came in for the injured Wilson and found Jeudy (his third TD!) to narrow the Chiefs' lead. But the Chiefs picked off Rypien late and held on for the win.

Why the Chiefs won

Mahomes threw three interceptions, but even with that many turnovers, the Chiefs were able to keep a lead the entire game. What separates elite quarterbacks from the rest is their ability to bounce back from mistakes and remain confident. He was still able to take those risky throws and extend plays even after the picks. Mahomes still went 28-for-42, with 352 yards and three touchdowns. 

McKinnon finished with seven receptions and 112 yards, Smith-Schuster had nine receptions for 74 yards and Travis Kelce also had a solid day, with 71 yards on four receptions.

Why the Broncos lost

The Broncos did put up a decent amount of points and were able to capitalize on turnovers, but when you are going up against the Chiefs it takes a lot more than a decent game to win.

The Chiefs had more passing yards, first downs, passing first downs and the Broncos had 39 more yards lost from sacks.

Between the two quarterbacks that took the field, Denver had four touchdowns and two interceptions, three scores from Wilson and one from Rypien. They each had an interception. 

The Broncos gained momentum late, not scoring until just under two minutes in the half. By then, the Chiefs had a 27-0 lead and it was an uphill battle to stay in the game.

Play of the game

Who doesn't love a pick-six?! Well, in this case if you are a Broncos fan you won't love it. Take a look at the interception that Willie Gay Jr. took to the house:

Turning point

The Broncos scoring two touchdowns in the final minutes of the first half could have turned into their turning point, because from there Denver got a jolt and started to catch up to Kansas City. The Chiefs still had control for the entire game. 

What's next

The Chiefs head to Houston next week to take on the 1-11-1 Texans. The Broncos play host to the Arizona Cardinals, who face the Patriots on Monday night.