Chiefs open up 2026 season with dominant win over AFC West foe

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Kansas City Chiefs opened up the team's redemption tour season with a statement, on Monday night.

That statement coming in the form of a dominant 31-10 win over the AFC West rival Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium, as head coach Andy Reid and his squad are just beginning - what they hope is - a journey back to the playoffs after falling short in 2025.

Of course, heading into the season opener, all eyes were on quarterback Patrick Mahomes. There were questions about how he would look just nine months removed from tearing his ACL late in the 2025 season and the future Hall of Famer silence any of the doubters with his performance on Monday Night Football. Mahomes completed 55 percent of his passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns, along with one 15-yard rushing score. He did throw one interception in his first game back, as well.

The other center-piece of the Kansas City offense had quite a night, as well. Running back Kenneth Walker III, who is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, shined in his KC debut. He tallied 173 yards and one touchdowns on 23 carries, adding on one receiving touchdown, as well.

Head coach Andy Reid's defense faired just as well, holding a stacked Denver Broncos roster to just 10 points. His rookies showed fans what they can expect this season, early on, as cornerback Mansoor Delane came away with an early interception on Bo Nix and defensive end R Mason Thomas recorded his first-career sack.

All-in-all, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed led the Kansas City defense with eight total tackles (seven solo) in his first game back in a Chiefs uniform.

That defensive effort was stifling for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's unit, as the Chiefs out-gained the Broncos by a staggering 216 yards. Notably, Denver gained just over 60 yards on the ground.

Up next - the Chiefs will get ready for another primetime game, hosting the Indianapolis Colt on Sunday Night Football on Sept. 20. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m., as Kansas City will look to go 2-0.