ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Broncos' all-time record in 54 years of playing the Chiefs is 52-56.
Seems pretty balanced... until you look at how the head-to-head series started.
Things went poorly early on for the Broncos, with the Chiefs winning the first eight games, including the first six when they were still the Dallas Texans.
And it got worse.
From the inaugural matchup on the eve of Halloween in 1960 until October 7, 1973, the Broncos beat the Texans/Chiefs just twice in 27 tries: A 33-27 win in 1964 at Bears Stadium in Denver, and a 26-13 win in 1970 in the second game at Mile High Stadium.
Considering their 2-25 start -- with the 25 losses coming by an average of 19.6 points per game -- the Broncos' steady climb back to a near-.500 record is quite impressive, especially considering half of the games have been played in one of the league's tougher road environments. After losing their first 14 road games against the Chiefs (in Dallas and Kansas City), the Broncos have gone 17-22 at Arrowhead Stadium since.
Relive the Broncos' series history with the Chiefs with photographs dating to the teams' AFL roots in the 1960s.
Halfback Floyd Little tries to break through Chiefs tacklers during an October 4, 1970 win (26-13) over Kansas City at Mile High Stadium.
Defensive tackle Lyle Alzado rushes Chiefs quarterback Mike Livingston during a game in Kansas City.
Cornerback Steve Wilson scores a touchdown during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium.
Sammy Winder breaks upfield during a game against the Chiefs.
Running back Sammy Winder breaks through the hole during a September 10. 1989 win (34-20) over the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium.
Michael Brooks (56), Greg Kragen (71), Rick Dennison (55) and Marc Munford (51) of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 10, 1989 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Eric Lars Bakke
Rick Dennison of the Denver Broncos during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 10, 1989 at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Eric Lars Bakke
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg stuffs a Chiefs ball carrier during a game in Kansas City.
Tim Lucas anticipates a play against the Kansas City Chiefs in either 1990 or 1991.
John Elway calls an audible against the Kansas City Chiefs in a snow storm.
Karl Mecklenburg gets in on a gang tackle against Chiefs fullback Christian Okoye during a win over Kansas City on October 20, 1991.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg wraps up a Chiefs ball carrier during an October 4, 1992 win (20-19) over Kansas City at Mile High Stadium.
John Elway passes against the Kansas City Chiefs October 4, 1992.
Rod Bernstine leaves a Chiefs defender behind during a 27-21 win over Kansas City on December 12, 1993.
John Elway fades back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs December 4, 1994.
Tight end Shannon Sharpe celebrates during an October 27, 1996 win (34-7) over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Running back Terrell Davis carries the ball upfield during an October 27, 1996 win (34-7) over the Kansas City Chiefs.
John Elway prepares to take a snap in action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: John Elway passes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Terrell Davis rushes the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Neil Smith rushes the quarterback against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Denver: Alfred Williams moves around the block while trying to make a play against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on August 31, 1997.
Kansas City: Maa Tanuvasa, Steve Atwater, and John Mobley gang tackle a Chiefs running back as the Broncos team defense performed tremendously during the second round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: John Elway throws deep against Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: With a little more than 12 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Terrell Davis took the handoff from John Elway and led by a block by Shannon Sharpe, scored the touchdown that would put the Broncos ahead for good against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Kansas City: Shannon Sharpe mock salutes the Chiefs fans at the end of the game after the Broncos' victory. against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on January 4, 1998.
Terrell Davis beats the defense to the end zone for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Shannon Sharpe tries to break free after making a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Quarterback Bubby Brister spikes the ball after a first quarter bootleg touchdown run against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Rod Smith beats the secondary and makes a long reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Willie Green breaks free from the Chiefs defender and carries the ball down to the 5 yard line against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
John Elway rushes the ball down to about the 2 yard line against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Rod Smith tries to pick up extra yardage after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 6, 1998.
Deltha O' Neal celebrates after the first of his 4 interceptions on the day against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 7, 2001.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Clinton Portis rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Mike Anderson rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Clinton Portis hops into the end zone for his first of five rushing touchdowns on the day against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
Champ Bailey leaps through the air for a first down after making a reception on offense during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Patrick Hape spikes the ball in celebration after his touchdown celebration during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 12, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer runs into the end zone for a touchdown as the Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 26, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Ashley Lelie runs with the ball as Jake Plummer provides a block ahead of him as Denver Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 26, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer congratulates Jason Elam on a successful field goal as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Rod Smith tries to turn upfield after a catch as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Tatum Bell tries to escape a tackle as the Denver Broncos played the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 17, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC
Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam watches his 44 yard field goal clear the uprights in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall gains over a 1,000 yards for the season with a touchdown grab late in the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Elvis Dumervil tries to evade an offensive lineman during action in the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field December 7, 2008
Jay Cutler drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2008.
Brandon Marshall makes an acrobatic play against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 7, 2008.
Andre Goodman celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs, December 6, 2009 in Kansas City,MO.
Knowshon Moreno dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs,December 6,2009 in Kansas City,MO.(AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Brandon Marshall leaps into the end zone in the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs,December 6,2009 in Kansas City,MO.(AP Photo/Eric Bakke)
Denver Broncos Knowshon Moreno (27) cuts to avoid Kansas City Chief Andy Studebaker (96) on 22-yard run in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City,MO. November 13, 2011.
Denver Broncos Eric Decker hauls in a 56 yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos Tim Tebow runs up the middle for a 7 yard touchdown run in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos Von Miller sacks quarterback Matt Cassel in first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs November 13, 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 36 yard pass on 2-and-8 during third quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 30, 2012.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) sacks the quarterback for a 5 yard loss during second quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on December 30, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) sacks Kansas City Chiefs Brady Quinn (9) during second quarter action in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO November 25, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws to an open receiver on Denver's second series during fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO November 25, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) scores a touchdown during second quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Nov. 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) tackles Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during third quarter action of the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Nov. 17, 2013 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) scores a touchdown on a 9 yard reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on November 17, 2013.
Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard (52) celebrates an interception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on December 1, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) hangs on to a 4 yard touchdown reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a 12 yard pass for a touchdown at 1:15 remaining in the second quarter as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Chris Owens (20) defends on the play in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,Colo. September 14, 2014
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) and linebacker Nate Irving (56) team up to make the stop during fourth quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 14, 2014.
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) for a 13 yard loss during first quarter action in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, November 30, 2014.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) celebrates a touchdown on a 15 yard reception during first quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, November 30, 2014.
Emmanuel Sanders makes a catch during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Demaryius Thomas makes a tough catch in action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Bradley Roby returns a fumble for the game-winning touchdown during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Chris Harris Jr. returns an interception during action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Overall, Denver's 50-31 run since giving Kansas City a 23-game head start includes the sort of strong stretches you'd expect to climb out of such a deep hole: There was an eight-game win streak from 1976 to '79, a 12-of-15 stretch from '85 to '92 and the active five-game win streak that began with Peyton Manning's arrival in Denver.
Manning himself has a streaky history against the Chiefs, albeit more one-sided. Before joining the Broncos, he faced off with Kansas City eight times, including two playoff games, and lost just once: a 45-35 defeat at Arrowhead Stadium on Halloween in 2004.
But the successful stretches Manning and the Broncos have posted against the Chiefs belie just how hard-fought most of those games have been. Of Manning's seven wins over KC with the Colts, four have been decided by just one score. Since No. 18 joined the Broncos, Denver's five-game win streak hasn't exactly been filled with blowouts.
In 2012, when Kansas City finished 2-14 and was outscored by a league-high 214 points, the Broncos had to claw back from 6-0 and 9-7 deficits at Arrowhead to beat the Brady Quinn-led Chiefs 17-9. The eight-point margin of victory was the second-smallest the Broncos posted during their 11-game win streak to finish the season.
2013 brought a 27-17 Broncos win in Denver, but also a 35-28 win in Kansas City that began with the Chiefs up 21-7 early in the second quarter. In their first matchup this season, John Fox's crew came out with a W, but only after sweating out a 52-yard drive to the Broncos' 2-yard line, which ended in a fourth-down batted pass by Terrance Knighton. Now the Broncos head back to Arrowhead, where Andy Reid's team has beaten the Seahawks and Patriots by a combined 31 points and the noise level has been measured as high as 142.2 decibels, an official world record. With a win, the Broncos would pull within three games of tying the series. But for the streakiness to continue, the Broncos will have to bring their best in Kansas City.
