As a rollicking game drew to a close Sunday night, Coach Gary Kubiak and the Denver Broncos had a decision to make. They had the ball on fourth-and-10 at the Kansas City 44 with three options: punt, go for it, or try a field goal. There was just a minute left in overtime.
The stakes of the decision were compounded because both teams were 7-3 and chasing the A.F.C. West title as well as wild-card spots.