Three takeaways from the Kansas City Chiefs' 38-0 loss to Broncos, who enters postseason party for the first time since 2015 season

Without Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce it was a tough day for the Kansas City Chiefs as they went for a Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos. Denver raced out to a 24-0 halftime lead and did not look back, winning 38-0 behind four touchdowns from Bo Nix. With that, Broncos ended an eight-year playoff drought and entered into playoffs for the 1st time since the 2015 season. Here are three takeaways from Sunday's game.

Three takeaways from Chiefs-Broncos match

A Humbling Reminder of the Chiefs’ Journey to Glory
Sunday's contest with the Broncos was an echo of the awful reminder of pre-Andy Reid football in Kansas City. If ever fate intervened, the Chiefs' football before Reid resembled this — simply outclassed and outgunned. Denver easily moved down the field in six plays to a touchdown, earlier very intense with all the pressure. By halftime, the score was 24-0, while the final result assuredly went much higher. For those used to years of playoff victories, many AFC titles, and three Lombardi trophies, this loss was just a reminder of how sweet an experience it has been for Kansas City fans.


Chiefs’ Offense Struggles in Week 18 Without Patrick Mahomes
To give a great opportunity for Carson Wentz leading the offense when Patrick Mahomes rested in Week 18, during the time when he was to show his thing after almost a year of not starting; thus, the outcome was nothing short of disappointing. The Kansas City offense lagged quite a bit early, as they could only muster three first-half drives, two of which only lasted but three plays each.

The passing game was rhythmically impaired, averaging 3.4 yards per play and converting only 1-for-5 on third downs, while the rushing attack managed a hopelessly low 1.6 Yard average. There were many issues in chemistry and inconsistent line play, further underlying the other problems within the team.

Chiefs Assess Week 18 Performances Ahead of Playoffs
The 18th week was a good moment for the Chiefs to measure strengths and the weaknesses in the run-up to a postseason. D.J. Humphries gave promise at left tackle, possibly opening the way for Joe Thuney to reconfigure at left guard, a switch Andy Reid has suggested. Pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Josh Uche offered impactful snaps, while offensive standouts Nikko Remigio and Peyton Hendershot came on as dependable depth options.

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In contrast, Nazeeh Johnson's problems at cornerback and Harrison Butker's failure to score a 51-yard field goal raised red flags. Butker has been in and out since his injury but made only 3 of 5 during these recent games. Certainly, as a team accustomed to winning close games, solidifying these components will be imperative toward a deep playoff run.