The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 17-9, on Sunday, strengthening their already-tight hold on the AFC West.

But Denver's win meant just a little more than that to Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The third-year player out of Georgia Tech hit the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career on Sunday -- a notable accomplishment, especially considering his past.

Thomas was Denver's first-round draft pick in 2010 and was taken 22nd overall. But injuries, including a torn ACL and broken pinky finger, prevented the wide receiver from reaching his full potential in his first two seasons. He appeared in just 10 games in 2010 and 11 in 2011, amassing just 283 and 551 yards, respectively.

This year, things have been different. Thomas has appeared in all 11 games for the Broncos, now has over 1,000 yards receiving and has caught six touchdown passes. On top of that, he has quickly emerged as an instrumental piece to a Denver team that is destined for the playoffs and maybe even more.

The Broncos have now won six straight and host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week.