Broncos...41 Chiefs...7

DENVER -- The Denver Broncos were great. It probably was too late.

The Broncos manhandled the Kansas City Chiefs, 41-7, finally playing like the contenders they fancied themselves after an off-season spending spree.

Jay Cutler threw a career-best four touchdown passes, Selvin Young rushed for a career-high 156 yards in 17 carries and Elvis Dumervil collected three sacks and forced a fumble that led to a touchdown as the Broncos put together their biggest blowout in seven seasons over the Chiefs (4-9).

It probably won’t matter, however. The Broncos (6-7) remain two games behind San Diego in the AFC West with three to go following the Chargers’ come-from-behind win in Tennessee.

Cutler completed 20 of 27 passes for 244 yards, had no interceptions and a passer rating of 141.0.

The Chiefs went three and out eight times and had three turnovers in losing for the sixth straight time. Denver outgained Kansas City, 453 yards to 129.

Quoteworthy: “I’d hate to see rock bottom if this isn’t rock bottom.” -- Jared Allen, Chiefs defensive end