Broncos QB Bo Nix: ‘These are the games you grow up dreaming about playing’

The Denver Broncos play an undefeated division rival led by a championship quarterback on the road on Sunday.

That pretty much checks all the boxes for Bo Nix , the Broncos' rookie quarterback.

The Kansas City Chiefs enter their 128th regular-season meeting with Denver as the NFL's only unbeaten team after winning the past two Super Bowls.

"I love it," Nix said . "I think this is the epitome of why you want to play in the NFL. You want to play against these defenses. You want to play against these legendary coaches. You want to play against these Hall of Fame quarterbacks. And so I think it's the best. I think when you get to play in this kind of matchup, it's much better than playing maybe a team that you know you have the advantage over, so I think it's going to be fun.

"It's going to be tough. I think the mindset and the attitude going in with a tough game, I think that's the most important part. You want to play in these big games. You want to play in the tough ones because if they were all easy, everybody could do it."

The Broncos have lost their past eight visits to Kansas City. Denver's most recent victory at Arrowhead Stadium came when cornerback Bradley Roby returned a fumble 21 yards for a touchdown with 27 seconds remaining to lift the Broncos to a 31-24 victory on Sept. 17, 2015.

"It's my favorite," Nix said . "I think I'd rather play in a hostile environment than a low-level environment that's not as much fun - no fans at the game and you have to bring your own energy. I think these games are fun because there's a level of excitement, a level of passion going into the game.

"And again, I go back: These are the games you grow up watching and dreaming about playing, so if you're not ready for these games, then you probably don't belong in the league. But I'm excited about this, the hostility and a new environment. I've never been to this stadium. It's well-known around the league as one of the best, and so I'm excited."

With a 12-1 record against Denver as a starting quarterback, Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes has beaten the Broncos more times than he has any other NFL team.

"I've obviously watched him for a long time, since he was putting up really good numbers in college," Nix said . "And then now, obviously, in the league. He's the best in the league right now, so everyone is trying to match him. Everybody's trying to catch up, I feel like. But he does a great job of just being himself, playing within the system, and makes plays when his team needs him to."

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The Broncos and Chiefs will square off at noon CST Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri. Denver is 5-4. The Chiefs are 8-0.

"I'm excited about it," Nix said . "I think it's a good challenge for us, good opportunity for us. You know, obviously, they got a great defense. They're playing at a really high level this year, have in the past couple of year, so exciting for us with this opportunity. It's going to be a first road divisional game, so, you know, I'm excited."

Nix has more excitement to look forward to in his rookie season with two more division games on the road remaining on Denver's schedule. The Broncos visit the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 24 and the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 22.

A former Pinson Valley High School and Auburn standout, Nix has started every game this season for Denver. The Broncos chose Nix with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft on April 25, and he has completed 184-of-294 passes for 1,753 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions and run for 295 yards and four touchdowns on 58 carries. Nix also has caught a touchdown pass .

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