Chiefs-Broncos was the highest rated TNF game ever

The NFL turned to a time-tested AFC West rivalry after plenty of Thursday Night duds.

Chiefs-Broncos didn't disappoint. Overall, the game brought in a rating of 12.9 and a share of 24, according to Nielsen ratings.

It averaged 21.117 million viewers across CBS and NFL Network, too. That's two percent higher than last season's "TNF" opener, Ravens-Steelers, ever reached.

There's good reason why this game performed so well. It featured two bitter rivals, a marquee quarterback in Peyton Manning, and an absolutely wild finish.

(h/t Fansided)