Chiefs vs. Broncos results: Denver pounds Kansas City, 38-3

The Denver Broncos routed the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-3, on Sunday afternoon at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo. As a result of the win, the Broncos clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, giving them home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Broncos briefly struggled with the Chiefs, but turned up the heat late in the first half after Kansas City placekicker Ryan Succop missed a field goal that would have put his team within a point of the division champions. Peyton Manning threw his first touchdown pass of the day shortly thereafter, hitting Eric Decker in the back of the end zone, and hooked up with Decker again just before halftime to turn a close game into a 21-3 rout.

Manning and the Broncos continued to move the ball at will against the Chiefs in the third quarter, finishing an 11-play, 80-yard drive with a 13-yard TD pass from Manning to Demaryius Thomas, who hauled the ball in with one hand in a highlight-reel effort to salt the game away.

Stat of the game

The Broncos outgained the Chiefs, 488 total yards to 119, and picked up 32 first downs to Kansas City's eight.

Fantasy studs

Manning completed 23-of-29 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. His two main beneficiaries at the wide receiver position had big days as well, with Thomas catching seven passes for 122 yards and a touchdown and Decker hauling in seven balls for 76 yards and two scores.

For additional coverage, head over to SB Nation's fantasy football hub.

Did They Cover?

The Broncos entered the game as 17-point favorites, and ended up covering the spread two times over.

Up next

The Broncos (13-3) will rest next week before hosting a second-round playoff game against the lowest remaining seed from the wildcard round the following week. As for the Chiefs, they'll have the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL draft after finishing 2-14.