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Game Recap: Chiefs Beat Broncos, 33-10, Clinch Playoff Berth

The win also knocks the Broncos out of playoff contention

There was a little bit of everything in the Kansas City Chiefs' 33-10 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday night. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill had a 70-yard touchdown rushing, tight end Travis Kelce had the best regular-season game of his career and yes, defensive tackle Dontari Poe threw for a touchdown.

The Chiefs actually clinched a playoff spot before the game began, but the win knocked the Broncos out of postseason contention and kept the Chiefs alive for a potential AFC West crown and first-round bye.

The Broncos received the ball first and punted on their first drive, and the Chiefs started at their own 23-yard line. On third-and-2, Hill took an end around 28 yards up the field, and the Chiefs followed that up with an 18-yard gain by running back Spencer Ware. Kelce got the Chiefs into the Broncos red zone with a 14-yard reception, and quarterback Alex Smith finished it off with a 10-yard run for the touchdown and 7-0 lead.

The Broncos stalled on the ensuing drive and punted back to the Chiefs.

The Chiefs started their next offensive drive at the 19-yard line and after a first down, got a new set of downs at the KC 30-yard line. Smith handed it off to Hill, who outran the Broncos defense 70 yards for the touchdown.

The Chiefs again forced the Broncos to punt, but on third-and-9 at the Kansas City 21-yard line, Smith threw a pass as he was hit, and Broncos safety Justin Simmons intercepted the ball. Simmons returned it to the 6-yard line and two plays later, RB Justin Forsett took it in 1 yard for the touchdown.

The Chiefs got back on track on the second play of their next drive. Facing second-and-6, Smith hit Kelce on a tight end screen, and he took it 80 yards for the touchdown.

The Chiefs led 21-7 at the end of one quarter.

The Chiefs' first second-quarter possession resulted in Cairo Santos missing a 39-yard field goal. The Broncos then took over and cut the Chiefs' lead to 11 with a 52-yarder from Brandon McManus.

It was 21-10 Chiefs at the half.

The Chiefs opened up second-half scoring at the beginning of the fourth quarter with a 29-yard field goal to take a 24-10 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, fullback Anthony Sherman caused Broncos returner Kalif Raymond to fumble, and Chiefs S Daniel Sorensen recovered, giving the Chiefs good field position at the Denver 36. The Chiefs added to their lead with a 39-yard field goal, making it 27-10 after the turnover.

The Broncos began their next drive at their own 25-yard line and pushed all the way to the Kansas City 41-yard line for third-and-8. Trevor Siemian passed short to his right to Devontae Booker, who ran the ball 4 yards before Sorensen knocked it out of his hands. Sorensen recovered his own forced fumble, and the Chiefs offense came back on at the Denver 43-yard line.

The Chiefs got down to the Denver 2, and on third down, Andy Reid brought in Poe. The Chiefs direct snapped to Poe, who lobbed it up to TE Demetrius Harris for the game-clinching touchdown. Santos missed the extra point, and the Chiefs went up 33-10, the game's eventual final.

Kelce had career highs with 11 receptions and 160 yards receiving. Hill had 95 yards rushing on six carries. Smith was 25 of 36 for 244 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Cornerback Terrance Mitchell and linebacker Ramik Wilson each had six tackles. S Eric Berry recorded an interception on the Broncos' final drive, sealing the game for the Chiefs. Defensive lineman Chris Jones had two pass deflections.

The Chiefs visit the San Diego Chargers in their final game of the regular season next Sunday. The game time is 3:25 p.m. CT.

Photos from the Chiefs Week 16 matchup against the Broncos on Sunday Night Football

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