The Chiefs answered Denver’s early touchdown with a field goal after forcing a turnover.
Following Kansas City’s second punt in as many possessions, Denver started a drive on their own 9-yard line.
The Broncos gained its first 16 yards with runs by Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman, and then quarterback Peyton Manning hit wideout Demaryius Thomas twice for gains of 20 and 24 yards.
On the play after Thomas’ second catch, Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas tackled Hillman on a carry and put his helmet on the football, knocking it loose.
Cornerback Brandon Flowers scooped up the fumble and returned it 64 yards to the Denver 12-yard line. Manning and tight end Joel Dreessen chased down Flowers for the touchdown-saving tackle.
Looking to convert the turnover into points, the Chiefs gave it to running back Jamaal Charles on the first two plays, and the running back gained 7 yards. The pair of runs ended the first quarter.
To begin the second period of play, the Chiefs faced third-and-3 on the 5-yard line. Quarterback Brady Quinn tried to connect with wide receiver Jon Baldwin, but it fell incomplete through the back of the end zone.
That brought out Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop, who converted on a 23-yard field goal to make the score 7-3.