Chiefs vs. Broncos live score, updates, highlights from NFL Saturday game

The Chiefs will battle the Broncos for the potential top seed in the AFC playoffs on Saturday.

A win in Denver will allow Kansas City to clinch no worse than the No. 2 playoff seeding in the AFC. A win against the Broncos — with a Titans loss to the Texans on Sunday — would give Kansas City the top spot. Although the Broncos are eliminated from postseason contention, quarterback Drew Lock will attempt to help Denver finish the season by breaking a three-game losing streak.

The Chiefs last played the Broncos at home in Week 8 to give Kansas City an 8-4 record in the 22-9 win. Despite having home-field advantage, Patrick Mahomes struggled against Denver, completing 15 of 29 passes for 184 yards and an interception. He went on to continue the Chiefs’ winning streak and completed 20 of 24 passes for 258 yards with two touchdowns against the Raiders the following week.

IYER: Breaking down Kansas City’s seeding scenarios in 2022 NFL bracket

During Kansas City’s 34-31 loss to the Bengals last week, Mahomes avoided getting sacked and completed 26 passes for 259 yards with two touchdowns. However, he threw several incomplete passes in the second half that limited the Chiefs to field goals, which allowed Cincinnati to come back for the win at home.

Mahomes will be challenged against Denver’s pass defense. During their last meeting, the Broncos held Kansas City to only 15 first downs with 178 passing yards and 89 rushing yards. On the other hand, Lock will attempt to earn his first win as a starter this season. After Teddy Bridgewater was carted off the field with a head injury during the Broncos’ 15-10 loss to the Bengals in Week 15, he scored a touchdown during his first drive of the game. He most recently completed 18 of 25 passes for 245 yards with a touchdown during the 34-13 loss to the Chargers in Week 17.

Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Chiefs vs. Broncos on Saturday. Follow along for complete results from the NFL Week 18 game.

MORE: Watch Chiefs vs. Broncos live with fuboTV (free trial)

Chiefs vs. Broncos score

Chiefs vs. Broncos live updates, highlights

All times Eastern.

4:58 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS. Lock finds an opening and rushes into the end zone for 5 yards to put the Broncos on the board. After McManus makes the extra point, the game is tied 7-7 with 26 seconds remaining in the first quarter. 

4:56 p.m.: Broncos execute a trick play and give a direct snap to Williams. He tosses to Sutton, who completes to Fant downfield for 16 yards, giving the Broncos a first down at the 6. 

4:52 p.m.: Javonte Williams rushes for 9 yards for a first down at the Kansas City 34, then Gordon rushes for 6 yards on the following play.

4:50 p.m.: Lock throws consecutive incomplete passes and the Broncos l ine up to punt. Martin punts and is tackled to the ground, a personal foul against the Chiefs gives the Broncos a first down at the 50. 

4:44 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS. Mahomes completes a pass to Kelce in the end zone for 3 yards. After Butker makes the extra point, Chiefs take a 7-0 lead with 6:08 remaining in the first quarter. 

4:42 p.m.: Mahomes rushes for another 11 yards and gives the Chiefs a first down at the Denver 7. 

4:40 p.m.: Damien Williams barrels through several defenders and gives the Chiefs a first down at the 30. 

4:38 p.m.: Mahomes completes a pass to Pringle for 11 yards and moves the chains to the Denver 42. 

4:36 p.m.: Mahomes connects on a deep pass to Hardman for 21 yards and positions Kansas City at the 44. 

4:34 p.m.: Mahomes rushes for 11 yards and gives the Chiefs a first down at their own 23. 

4:32 p.m.: Lock throws an incomplete deep pass intended for Jeudy on third down. Martin punts and Hardman returns for 3 yards to the Kansas City 12. 

4:30 p.m.: Broncos win the coin toss and elect to receive. Denver will start with possession on the kickoff. 

What channel is Chiefs vs. Broncos on today?

• TV channel (national): ESPN
• Live stream: ESPN, fuboTV

Chiefs vs. Broncos will be broadcast nationally on ESPN in Week 18. This game is going to have a different feel to it, with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Laura Rutledge on the call. John Perry will be ESPN’s rules expert.

In Canada, viewers can watch Chiefs vs. Broncos with a subscription to DAZN, which includes every NFL game.

Chiefs vs. Broncos start time

• Date: Saturday, Jan. 8
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. CT

Chiefs vs. Broncos is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. This will be one of ESPN’s nationally televised games, as the network begins to broadcast more games heading into Wild Card Weekend.

Kansas City Chiefs schedule 2021

Denver Broncos schedule 2021

NFL schedule Week 18

Saturday, Jan. 8

Sunday, Jan. 9