The Denver Broncos were able to grind out a 20-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night, improving their record to 13-3 on the season.
The Chiefs, despite having numerous key players out of the lineup, gave the Broncos all they wanted in this one. In the end, it was the first season sweep for the Broncos over the Chiefs in 11 years and it was a perfect full-circle moment for one player on the team.
Last year, the Broncos had the Chiefs beaten at Arrowhead Stadium. They had positioned themselves for a short game-winning field goal, which would have led to the biggest win the team had earned in years. Instead, that chip-shot field goal was blocked when Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal trucked Broncos offensive lineman Alex Forsyth to get in position to make the play.
Just before the Broncos met the Chiefs on Thursday night, it was reported that starting center Luke Wattenberg would miss the game due to a shoulder injury and, after being placed on injured reserve, may not be able to play again this season.
To replace Wattenberg, the Broncos had to turn to Forsyth. That was likely a scary proposition for Broncos Country, considering what happened in Kansas City last season. But not only was Forsyth up to the task, but he also played well enough to earn the game ball from head coach Sean Payton.
After the game, Forsyth spoke about how he didn't want that play to ruin the rest of his career.
#Broncos center Alex Forsyth on mentality coming back to Arrowhead vs. Chiefs after last year’s FG-block mishap:
— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) December 26, 2025
“Can’t let a bad play ruin a career … obviously never forget plays like that, but just try to flush it, and focus on winning.” Pic.twitter.com/5OrZlaCtLa
The Broncos will have to hope that Forsyth can continue that momentum as he will be the team's starting center for the foreseeable future, which could include their entire postseason run.
Forsyth was a seventh-round pick in 2023, but as a former Oregon teammate of Bo Nix, he has been given a chance to stick around and develop despite being beaten out by Wattenberg for the starting job last year. Being given this game ball will only increase his confidence at a time when the Broncos need to step up their level of performance if they are to make a run at winning the Super Bowl.
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