The Kansas City Chiefs have achieved a 9-0 record for only the third time in their history, thanks to an electrifying finish against their longtime rivals.

Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal made a pivotal play by blocking a potential game-winning field goal from Broncos kicker Wil Lutz just before time expired, leading to a 16-14 victory. This undefeated 9-0 start matches the franchise record set in 2003 and 2013.

“I was really hoping for something to happen. That moment felt so significant,” Chenal reflected, who also blocked a kick in the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl victory against the San Francisco 49ers. “With just seconds on the clock, you sense the gravity of the situation as they prepare to kick the field goal.”

Since 2016, only one team has managed more than eight wins before facing their first defeat – the 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Kansas City took the lead for the first time in this match after kicker Harrison Butker successfully executed a 20-yard field goal with 5:57 left in the fourth quarter. Following a 43-yard drive, the Broncos seemed ready to clinch the game with Lutz’s 35-yard kick, but Chenal and others broke through the line to preserve the Chiefs’ perfect record.

“As a coach, it’s tough to see your players go through such a situation,” said Broncos coach Sean Payton after the game, which left his team at a 5-5 record.

The Broncos gained their earlier advantage with two touchdown passes from quarterback Bo Nix in the second quarter: one to Devaughn Vele and another to Courtland Sutton. However, Travis Kelce helped the Chiefs respond before halftime, catching a 2-yard touchdown that tied him with Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the most career touchdown receptions in Chiefs history at 76.

The Chiefs are now aiming for a 10-0 record next Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

This article has been updated with the latest information.