Madden Simulation Week 1: Monday Night Football! We Are So Back!

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs are home under the lights at Arrowhead Stadium, taking on theDenver Broncos. Let’s see how the game plays out in Madden NFL 27.

First quarter

The Chiefs’ defense held strong on the Broncos’ opening drive as Denver went three-and-out. Chris Jones made it look easy, getting through the Broncos’ offensive line for a tackle for loss to help force the punt.

The absence of Josh Simmons paid dividends as Nik Bonitto was able to sack Mahomes, forcing the Chiefs to punt. Kenneth Walker’s first carry in a Chiefs uniform went for two yards.

End of first quarter: Broncos 0, Chiefs 0

Second quarter

J.K. Dobbins was able to pick up a first down on the first play of the quarter, getting the Broncos inside the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. One play later, Bo Nix connected with Troy Franklin on a hard flat route for a nine-yard touchdown to give the Broncos the lead.

Brashard Smith picked up 21 yards on a second-down run, putting the Chiefs inside Broncos territory for the first time of the game at the Broncos’ 38-yard line. Three plays later, the Chiefs faced a third-and-eight, and Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones sacked Mahomes, pushing the Chiefs outside of field-goal range and forcing them to punt on a promising drive.

Following the Chiefs’ punt, Nix threw three straight incompletions before Denver punted the ball back to Kansas City.

Bonitto sacked Mahomes for the second time of the game on third-and-six in Broncos territory, once again pushing the Chiefs out of field-goal range. The battle of field position continued.

The Broncos would punt it back to the Chiefs, and on the ensuing drive, Mahomes dotted up Xavier Worthy twice. The first reception got the Chiefs across midfield, while another with 16 seconds left got them to the Broncos’ 25-yard line. Mahomes would end up being sacked by Zach Allen as time ran out in the half.

End of second quarter: Broncos 7, Chiefs 0

Third quarter

Andy Reid dialed up more chances for Mahomes to throw the football, as two first-down passes to Worthy and one to Tyquan Thornton helped the Chiefs get across midfield. Then it was the Kenneth Walker show, as he ripped off a 15-yard run before breaking loose for a 29-yard touchdown to tie the game.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah’s name was called in the rotation, and he made the most of it, sacking Nix to force the Broncos to punt on their opening drive of the second half.

The Chiefs went three-and-out.

The Broncos went three-and-out.

On third-and-six from the Chiefs’ own 46-yard line, Mahomes rifled a pass down the middle of the field to Thornton, who took it to the 22-yard line. One play later, a handoff to Walker got the Chiefs to the one-yard line.

End of third quarter: Broncos 7, Chiefs 7

Fourth quarter

On second-and-goal, Mahomes found his favorite target, Travis Kelce, for the touchdown to give the Chiefs the lead.

The Broncos punted back to the Chiefs.

The Chiefs once again punted back to the Broncos.

The Broncos punted.

Mahomes was sacked for the fifth time of the game on third down, forcing the Chiefs to punt.

Nix, from the Broncos’ own 46-yard line, found a streaking Evan Engram, who somehow burned three Chiefs defenders before dropping a catch in the end zone.

End of the fourth quarter: Broncos 14, Chiefs 14

Overtime

The Chiefs’ defense forced the Broncos’ offense to go three-and-out and punt the ball back to Kansas City.

The Chiefs marched downfield, and the Mahomes-to-Worthy connection resulted in two first downs. Walker rushed to the Broncos ‘ 12-yard line. Tyquan Thornton was left wide open in the end zone, and Mahomes found him on a post route for the game-winning touchdown.

Final score: Chiefs 20, Broncos 14

Notable stats

• Patrick Mahomes: 18 for 23, 204 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
• Box Nix: 15 for 25, 157 passing yards, 2 touchdowns
• Kenneth Walker: 15 rushing attempts, 102 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
• J.K Dobbins: 11 rushing attempts, 24 rushing yards
• R.J. Harvey: 5 rushing attempts, 6 rushing yards. 
• Xavier Worthy: 7 receptions, 105 yards
• Tyquan Thornton: 4 receptions, 70 yards
• Travis Kelce: 3 receptions, 20 yards, 1 touchdown 
• Troy Franklin: 5 receptions, 65 yards, 1 touchdown
• Evan Engram: 4 receptions, 44 yards
• Courtland Sutton: 2 receptions, 13 yards
• Nik Bonitto: 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss
• Zach Allen: 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss
• Felix Anduike-Uzomah: 1 sack
• Chris Jones: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss

Next week, will once again be under the lights, but this time for Sunday Night Football vs. the Indianapolis Colts. Until then, we will see how it is played out inside the EA Universe!