Parker Gabriel, Gabriel beat writer:
Chiefs 26, Broncos 13

Since the schedule was released in May this has clearly been the toughest part of the fall for Denver. And while Bo Nix and company match up better against Kansas City than they did against Baltimore last week, it’s still an uphill battle. The Chiefs defense is legit and likely to give Nix and the Broncos fits. Sean Payton said last week that the goal against really good teams on the road is to get the game into the fourth quarter and still be in it. Even that’s not usually good enough against Patrick Mahomes.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer:
Chiefs 20, Ryan Broncos 13

I’m confident McFadden that Denver’s defense will have a better performance than last week. However, the Broncos don’t have enough firepower on offense to pull off an upset in Kansas City. Expect the Chiefs to rattle Bo Nix and make him uncomfortable in the pocket while Patrick Mahomes is going to make enough plays down the stretch to secure the win.

Troy Renck,columnist:
Chiefs 21, Broncos 18

The Broncos last won in Kansas City in 2015 when Bo Nix was 14. Denver finally has a quarterback willing to stare down the Chiefs. But it is one thing to compete and another to defeat Kansas City. The Broncos must play keep-away and stop giving the ball away. Patrick Mahomes has thrown a career-high 11 interceptions against the Broncos. He is not enjoying an MVP season, though he has improved dramatically with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins. The team that wins on third down will win the game.

Sean Keeler, columnist:
Chiefs 20, Broncos 17

Baltimore was rock bottom. And a wake-up call. The Broncos are healthier than a week ago — welcome back, James Abner “P.J.” Locke III — and hungrier, too, after getting boat-raced on national TV in crab country. Alas, Patrick Mahomes on one good ankle is still better than Bo Nix on two. The plus side? The Broncos will score more than the 14 they’ve averaged in their previous eight trips to Arrowhead. The downside? It still won’t be enough, as Magic Mahomes yanks the Chiefs’ bacon out of the fire again.