DENVER (AP) — Terrance Knighton batted away Alex Smith’s fourth-and-goal pass to Dwayne Bowe with 15 seconds left, preserving the Denver Broncos’ 24-17 win over the scrappy Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. The Broncos thought they had sealed the win twice earlier on the drive. Aqib Talib’s pick-6 was negated by Quanterus Smith’s hold. Then, Nate Irving’s fumble recovery following DeMarcus Ware’s sack and strip was ruled an incomplete pass after a replay.

The Chiefs converted 11 of 16 third-down opportunities overall. They just couldn’t capitalize in the biggest moments as the Broncos defense mustered two goal-line stands for the second straight week. Peyton Manning was 21 of 26 for 242 yards and three TDs.

*****

DENVER (AP) — Broncos special teams ace David Bruton was among Denver’s inactives against Kansas City. Bruton separated his left shoulder in the opener last week. He returned to practice Thursday but only on a limited basis.

Other inactives for the Broncos were WR Cody Latimer, CB Tony Carter, LB Danny Trevathan, guard Ben Garland and tackle Michael Schofield. The Broncos only had six inactives because they only have 52 players on their roster.

Kansas City’s inactives were QB Aaron Murray, WRs Albert Wilson and De’Anthony Thomas, RB Joe McKnight, OL Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, CB Jamell Fleming and DE Damion Square. Ryan Harris started at right tackle for Jeff Allen, one of three Chiefs lost for the season in their loss to Tennessee in the opener.