Bo Nix found an open lane in Arizona last week and raced 62 yards for a touchdown. Now his next run begins at Empower Field at Mile High, where the Broncos will host Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. Denver has won three straight games to reach 5-2, while Kansas City arrives 5-1 after its first loss. This is a mountain-air showdown between two teams chasing a deep playoff run.

Nix is the center of Denver’s story. Last season, he helped the Broncos earn the AFC’s top playoff spot before an ankle injury kept him out of the conference title game. He is healthy now, and his quick decisions give coach Sean Payton’s offense its spark. Nix has thrown seven touchdown passes and also scored twice on the ground. His scrambling can turn a covered play into a surprise dash, as Arizona learned last week.

Denver needs that spark because its offense has not piled up yards as easily as Kansas City’s. The Broncos average 270 yards per game, but they have found timely plays in close contests. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton is a big target near defenders, while running back RJ Harvey can burst through small openings or catch a short pass and zoom ahead. Jaylen Waddle brings pure speed, though his chest injury makes his status important. Marvin Mims Jr. is also questionable after hurting his ankle, so Denver may need Sutton, Harvey and tight end Evan Engram to carry extra work.

The Broncos’ defense has been the sturdy wall behind the comeback story. Denver gives up only 20.1 points per game, even though opponents have moved the ball at times. Last week, the unit made its biggest stand near the goal line late against Arizona. Defensive end Zach Allen is questionable with a hamstring injury, and safety Talanoa Hufanga is also questionable. Those absences would matter against Mahomes, a quarterback who can create throws from almost anywhere.

Kansas City brings more balance. The Chiefs average 380.5 yards per game because Mahomes can attack through the air while Kenneth Walker III pounds and darts through the running game. Walker already has 701 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns in six games. He was held to 36 yards in last week’s 20-3 loss at Seattle, so Denver knows Kansas City will want to get its speedy runner moving again.

Mahomes has passed for nine touchdowns, but Seattle showed a path for Denver: make every throw difficult and keep Kansas City from finding an early rhythm. Rashee Rice, who is questionable with a hamstring issue, is dangerous after short catches. Travis Kelce remains Mahomes’ trusted target in open space. Denver must tackle quickly and avoid letting simple passes become long gains.

Kansas City’s defense allows just 17.2 points per game, making it a tough challenge for an offense still searching for steady production. Yet the Broncos are at home, riding momentum, and built for tight fourth quarters. Expect Nix’s movement and Denver’s defense to make the difference. Prediction: Broncos win.

Bo Nix and Patrick Mahomes Bring an AFC Race to Denver