Chiefs fall to 0-5 in one-score games as late issues mount

For years, the Kansas City Chiefs built their reputation on winning close games behind Patrick Mahomes’ late-game poise and a defense that thrived in critical moments. Ten weeks into the 2025 season, that formula has flipped.Sunday’s 22-19 loss in Denver dropped Kansas City to 5-5 and continued a surprising trend. The Chiefs are 0-5 in one-score games this season. Every loss has come by seven points or fewer, and each one has featured a familiar mix of missed chances, penalties and late-game breakdowns.Cornerback Trent McDuffie said the issue is execution in the final quarter.“It is just execution,” McDuffie said. “We have a great three quarters, but when the fourth quarter comes and it is crunch time, especially on the back end, I always say it is on us. I am disappointed that we were not able to make that happen, but it is something we can learn from.”Kansas City had the ball with four minutes left in Denver and needed only a field goal to win, but the drive stalled quickly. Mahomes said he missed an early chance to hit Hollywood Brown downfield.“That is what you want. You want to get that opportunity at the end of the game,” Mahomes said. “I did not come through.”“We have been losing these close games recently, but we have played some good football in spurts,” Mahomes said. “It is just about being more consistent.”Defensively, the Chiefs allowed Denver to convert seven of 15 third downs, including several on long-yardage plays. Linebacker Nick Bolton said the breakdowns come down to details.“It comes down to minor details of things that are not going our way,” Bolton said. “We just have to do our job to the best of our abilities.”At 5-5, Kansas City now trails Denver by four games in the AFC West race. Mahomes acknowledged Sunday that climbing back into contention will be difficult, shifting the team’s focus to simply making the postseason.“All you can focus on is the next week,” Mahomes said. “We are at that point where we have to find a way to win football games.”Kansas City hosts the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

For years, the Kansas City Chiefs built their reputation on winning close games behind Patrick Mahomes’ late-game poise and a defense that thrived in critical moments.

Ten weeks into the 2025 season, that formula has flipped.

Sunday’s 22-19 loss in Denver dropped Kansas City to 5-5 and continued a surprising trend.

The Chiefs are 0-5 in one-score games this season.

Every loss has come by seven points or fewer, and each one has featured a familiar mix of missed chances, penalties and late-game breakdowns.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie said the issue is execution in the final quarter.

“It is just execution,” McDuffie said. “We have a great three quarters, but when the fourth quarter comes and it is crunch time, especially on the back end, I always say it is on us. I am disappointed that we were not able to make that happen, but it is something we can learn from.”

Kansas City had the ball with four minutes left in Denver and needed only a field goal to win, but the drive stalled quickly.

Mahomes said he missed an early chance to hit Hollywood Brown downfield.

“That is what you want. You want to get that opportunity at the end of the game,” Mahomes said. “I did not come through.”

“We have been losing these close games recently, but we have played some good football in spurts,” Mahomes said. “It is just about being more consistent.”

Defensively, the Chiefs allowed Denver to convert seven of 15 third downs, including several on long-yardage plays.

Linebacker Nick Bolton said the breakdowns come down to details.

“It comes down to minor details of things that are not going our way,” Bolton said. “We just have to do our job to the best of our abilities.”

At 5-5, Kansas City now trails Denver by four games in the AFC West race.

Mahomes acknowledged Sunday that climbing back into contention will be difficult, shifting the team’s focus to simply making the postseason.

“All you can focus on is the next week,” Mahomes said. “We are at that point where we have to find a way to win football games.”

Kansas City hosts the Indianapolis Colts next Sunday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.