DENVER – They've done it again.
This time, theDenver Broncos comeback victorycame with an added layer of purpose:They slayed the Kansas City Chiefs.
TheBroncoshung one on their arch AFC West rival, 22-19, winning with a35-yard Wil Lutz field goalas time expired in a thriller at Invesco Field. The kick, Lutz's fifth field goal, was set up by a 32-yard completion to Troy Franklin in the final minute.
The result, which was Denver's eighth consecutive win and fifth seized with a fourth-quarter comeback, gave the Broncos (9-2) a commanding lead in the division while putting theChiefs(5-5) further in jeopardy of not making the playoffs.
And no, there was no counter-magic coming fromPatrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs took a 19-16 lead early in the fourth quarter with Mahomes' 21-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, but the Broncos rode the back of their vaunted defense to give them a chance in crunch time.
Denver thwarted Kansas City's final two drives, which sandwiched a 54-yard try from Lutz.
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18)makes a catch for a touchdownagainst the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Broncos keep winning one-score games, once a Chiefs trademark
The ending followed what has become a familiar script. The Broncos are now 7-2 in one-score games – which used to be a Chiefs trademark.
Consider how it's flipped, along with the prospects of Kansas City winning a 10th consecutive division crown. The Chiefs are 0-5 in one-score game this season.
Last season, in advancing to their third consecutive Super Bowl, the Chiefs were 11-0 in one-score games and set an NFL record with 17 consecutive victories in one-score games.
The latest close call, though, stings more than most – and not only because the Chiefs' chances of rallying to repeat as division champs are slipping away.
Is it time to believe in the Broncos?
It was a legitimate question, despite the winning streak. The offense has struggled. TheBroncos have been hit by key injuries. And until now, there was still the Chiefs monster.
Ironically, Lutz's winning kick came from the same distance as the kick in Kansas City in November last year, which was blocked as time expired to preserve a KC win.
But times have changed.
And with a 3½ game lead on the Chiefs, the Broncos are forcing us to believe.
Contact Jarrett Bell atjbell@usatoday.comor follow on X: @JarrettBell
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Denver Broncos command AFC West after win over Kansas City Chiefs