Chiefs-Broncos: 5 things to watch in Week 1 matchup

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 25: Alex Forsyth #54 of the Denver Broncos lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TheKansas City Chiefswill kick off the 2026 season at home against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football." The game will kick off at 7:15 Arrowhead time and air on ABC and ESPN.

This offseason, the Chiefs tried to reload after a disappointing 6-11 season in 2025, the first time Kansas City missed the playoffs since 2014. Multiple players will make regular-season debuts at Arrowhead on Monday Night.

Denver just had its best season in a decade, winning the AFC West and hosting the AFC Championship Game. After a decade of Kansas City dominance, the Broncos switched the script under head coach Sean Payton and finished 14-3, sweeping the Chiefs in the process.

Both teams have a lot to prove in 2026; one of football's best stages will host the first AFC West battle of the season. Here are five things to watch:

1. The return of Patrick Mahomes

As improbable as it may seem, Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will return to start his first game since December 14th of last season, when he tore his ACL in a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

For months, it has been widely speculated that Mahomes could miss time at the start of the 2026 season, but over the past couple of weeks, he and the Chiefs have made it clear he will suit up and start on Monday Night against Denver.

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes walking off the podium today:

Hopefully I'm done with the questions about the leg."

( @KSHB41) pic.twitter.com/sZWOgsD47Y

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 10, 2026

As a reminder, Mahomes did not play in any preseason games. It will be interesting to see how head coach Andy Reid and the offensive brain trust handle Mahomes early, especially against a fierce Denver defense.

It would be in the team's best interest to give Mahomes as many layups as possible early in the game, allowing him to get into a flow as he readjusts to the speed of the game. I expect to see a few deep shots throughout the game.

2. How the Chiefs work around a hampered tackle position

The Josh Simmons saga continued and once again has taken a strange path with no clear answers. The only thing certain is that he will not play on Monday Night, as the Chiefs made clear.

I asked Andy Reid what goes into deciding that an undrafted rookie free agent like Kahlil Benson is ready to start Week 1 at left tackle. pic.twitter.com/rLaJ8uXaCe

- Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) September 10, 2026

Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson- who played mostly right tackle in camp- will make his first-ever NFL start in his first regular-season game. From starting in the National Championship for Indiana last season to making his NFL debut at left tackle, Benson has a tall task ahead of him.

Denver's pass rush might not have the name power it did last season, but outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, 14 sacks in 2025, will still be screaming off the edge, and it would seem likely that they will line him up directly over Benson.

The Chiefs coaching staff should be prepared for this and able to provide slide protection to the left, as well as chips from tight ends and running backs.

While the move has some fans scratching their heads, having Benson start on the left side is an effort to keep Jaylon Moore on the right side of the line where he has appeared to be more comfortable, and where he will line up when Simmons returns from injury.

Moore needs to have a big game as the Chiefs will be giving help to Benson. I expect Reid to make the game plan very offensive-line friendly, with run-action looks as well as rollout plays.

3. New-look secondary

The Chiefs' secondary looks much different than it did this time last year, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

With Alohi Gilman and Jaden Hicks set to line up as the safeties - Chamarri Conner (Knee) will miss Week 1 - Nohl Williams, L'Jarius Sneed, and rookie Mansoor Delane will line up as the corners, with rookie Jadon Canady rotating in.

While the unit may take time to gel, it has the potential to become solid, especially under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive backs Dave Merrit.

L'Jarius Sneed on who called him to return to the Chiefs

In Spags we trust. pic.twitter.com/KzbMLpDLNp

- SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) September 2, 2026

The unit will have its work cut out for it in Week 1 against a reloaded Broncos receiver unit featuring wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims and tight end Evan Engram.

As the unit gels, there could be some early issues, but the potential of the young corners, Delane and Williams, should help propel the unit into one of the stronger units in the NFL by the season's end.

4. Rookie defensive linemen

Two of the Chiefs' top 50 picks in the draft this past spring were defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher R Mason Thomas.

It's the preseason. These are backup-caliber players, but this movement and explosion from Thomas is absolutely transferable. The OT tries to jump set and force him up the field, but Thomas is too quick. Bends the arc and a strip sack. pic.twitter.com/yXsmldXFvh

- Caleb James (@CJScoobs) August 29, 2026

Both flashed in training camp and the preseason, with Thomas drawing the most attention, displaying a combination of speed and bend that the Chiefs have not had off the edge in a while.

This is where Woods will make an impact as a rookie. Penetrating and creating disruption, whether it is blowing up cutback lanes in zone or quick pressure looks. A supremely athletic, moldable player. pic.twitter.com/kkQZJZowIA

- Caleb James (@CJScoobs) August 29, 2026

Woods was less disruptive in the preseason, but his impact should be more seen when he shares the field with star defensive tackle Chris Jones on Monday.

While both players excel in pass rushing situations, they will have to earn the right to get after Bo Nix. The Broncos have a powerful offensive line and good backs, which means the front seven, including both Thomas and Woods, will need to stand up against the run.

5. Kenneth Walker

It has been many years since the Chiefs have had a truly elite running back, but on Monday night, Kenneth Walker will make his debut with such a title.

The Chiefs didn't use Walker much in the preseason, but with offensive line issues and Mahomes coming into his first game post-surgery, I would expect a heavy dose of the fifth-year running back.

Walker's skill set to hit cutback lanes and explode out of the backfield in the passing game makes him a perfect fit for the Chiefs.

He is in for a big season.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid tells Doug Pederson that he cannot wait to cut new running back Kenneth Walker loose this season

Watch the full interview now!https://t.co/viaQJvCy1hpic.twitter.com/cH61UlrUXw

- Westwood One Sports (@westwood1sports) September 11, 2026