Chiefs’ ‘Champion’s Heart’ Earns Respect From Broncos’ Sean Payton Despite Loss

Down their top two quarterbacks and half a dozen starters, the Chiefs still made their 20-13 loss to the Broncos a knock-down, drag-out brawl.

Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks on prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Dec. 25, 2025. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs may not be the kings of the AFC West, but they still earn respect from their opponents.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Chiefs 20-13 on Christmas Day. Down to their third quarterback and with multiple injuries on the defense, it looked like an easy out for the division-leading Broncos. But the game quickly turned into a scrappy, clock-chewing affair that Broncos head coach Sean Payton said is emblematic of the Chiefs’ championship pedigree.