Scouting the Enemy: Kansas City Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 28: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs signals to stay in the game during the first quarter of an NFL preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium on August 28, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Denver Broncos kickoff their 2026 gridiron campaign defending their AFC West title against their longtime rival Kansas City Chiefs. For the first installment of Scouting the Enemy this year, we will take a look at how the Chiefs performed in 2025, their key offseason additions and departures, as well as their X-Factor players on offense and defense for Monday Night Football.

2025 Kansas City Chiefs Season Review

The Chiefs finished last season with a 6-11 record. It was the first time they had missed the playoffs since 2014 and their first losing season since 2012 when Romeo Crennel was head coach.

2026 Kansas City Chiefs Offseason Additions and Departures

The big addition for the Chiefs over the offseason was signing running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. They also brought back cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who had spent the past two years with the Tennessee Titans. Kansas City also traded a late 2027 draft selection to bring in former first-round quarterback Justin Fields to be the backup to Patrick Mahomes.

The biggest departure came via trade, with the GM Brett Veach trading two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, cornerback Jaylen Watson and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu both signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency.

With extra selections after the McDuffie trade, the Chiefs focused on shoring up their defense. Kansas City moved up to get Mansoor Delane at the six slot in 2006 NFL Draft. The former LSU standout was touted as the best cover corner last April. Additionally, they added versatile Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods late in the first round.

To bolster their pass rush productivity, the Chiefs picked R Mason Thomas out of Oklahoma in the second round. I also liked their fourth-round selection, Oregon slot cornerback Jadon Canady. Their fifth-round picks, running back Emmett Johnson and wide receiver Cyrus Allen could be situational players for them as rookies.

Offensive X-Factor: Running Back Kenneth WalkerIII

All eyes are on the health of Patrick Mahomes and how he will return from an ACL injury last season. If he can revert to prior form, the Chiefs are likely title contenders. However, my X-Factor for them in Week 1 is free agent addition Kenneth Walker III. Last year's Super Bowl MVP, Walker inked a 3-year, $34 million dollar deal this offseason to bolster their rushing attack.

Walker had a productive 2025 season with 221 rushes for 1,027 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He added 31 receptions for 282 yards as a receiver out of the backfield. The creative playcalling of Andy Reid coupled with Walker's skillset will be a big challenge for the Broncos.

Limiting his impact will be critical to not only win the time of possession battle but also come out of Arrowhead with a victory. The Broncos can't afford to let Walker run wild. Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph and his defensive front seven certainly have a tough challenge in the opening game.

Defensive X-Factor: Cornerback Mansoor Delane

The Chiefs opted to do a little bit of reshuffling in their defensive backfield this offseason. Their general manager has a history of trading away cornerbacks right before they are set to earn mega-extensions. Sending off McDuffie to the Rams was emblematic of that.

That means rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane will have to play a huge role for them this season. On Monday night against the Broncos, he will certainly have his hands full. With Denver adding Jaylen Waddle into the mix, Delane will be tasked with not just covering him, but also having to battle longtime veteran Courtland Sutton as well.

Both wide receivers have unique skill sets which will certainly test his abilities. Delane's talented merited such an early selection, but I don't see Bo Nix and the Broncos being shy about throwing in his direction. I expect them to test Delane early and often.

How the Broncos can secure a victory over the Chiefs

The Chiefs are a tough draw for the Broncos in Week 1, but I'm confident the Broncos can find a way to victory. As noted above, slowing down Walker will be a huge part of that. With it being a road game, slowing him down and finding a way to win the time of possession battle will be crucial.

Not only that, but finding a way to force some turnovers on defense will be huge if Denver wants to earn a victory. That's been a focal point of theirs over the course of the summer. Now it's time to put their plan in action on Monday Night Football.

On offense, the Broncos will need to limit their miscues and be efficient on the ground and through the air. The team's rushing attack needs to hit the ground running, and Bo Nix needs to dial up a good game and find a way to get some explosive plays against their defense.

Hart's Prediction: Broncos 24, Chiefs 17.