Kansas City, Missouri - The Kansas City Chiefs stayed winning after getting through another hard-fought affair against their AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs bruised the Broncos 22-9 for their fifth-straight win this season, the only winning streak Kansas City has had after starting the year 3-4.

This game was more about how the Chiefs defense stepped up to dominate during a game in which their offense had trouble executing.

The Chiefs were able to put points on the board early, controlling the first quarter for a 10-0 lead heading into the second.

Denver kicked a field goal to open the second quarter, but the rest of the first half ended up being a defensive battle as KC went in 10-3 at the break.

There still wasn’t much offensive action in the third as the Chiefs increased their lead to 10 points in the third, then to 13 points as another field goal opened the fourth quarter.

With well over 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Broncos could’ve made a real push to threaten the Chiefs, but the KC got a huge interception return for a touchdown to put things out of reach.

Denver did finally find the end zone to pull within 13 but with just five minutes to go, it was too little, too late.

It was Kansas City’s defense that ruled this game, making plays all through the night to neutralize almost every Denver drive that had seemed to threaten the Chiefs’ lead.

Eighth-year safety Daniel Sorensen (31) made the biggest play for the Chiefs, helping seal the deal midway through the fourth quarter.

His pick-six off of Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was returned 75 yards for the score that kept Denver’s odds for a comeback slim to none.

Sorensen also contributed with two solo tackles in the game.

The Chiefs certainly appear to be back in the mix, playing like the top team they were projected to be back during the preseason.

Not every victory has been spectacular, but the most important thing here is that they are winning football games and currently lead their division, which has them in a comfortable spot for an upcoming playoff berth.

The Chargers aren’t far at all behind them in the divisional standings, but as long as Kansas City stays as resourceful on defense as it was against Denver, there's nothing to fear going forward.

Next Sunday, the Chiefs (8-4) will stay at home to play against the Raiders (6-6) while the Broncos (6-6) head back home to take on the Lions (1-10-1).