Broncos-Chiefs opener puts Denver’s pass rush against Mahomes’ return
Denver visits Kansas City in the Monday-night opener, with Patrick Mahomes’ availability and the Chiefs’ protection central to the contest.
The Denver Broncos are scheduled to visit the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Week 1 opener on Monday, 14 September 2026, at 8:15 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The AFC West fixture has Kansas City listed as a 2.5-point favourite.
Fox Sports reports that Denver recorded an NFL-leading 68 sacks in 2025, setting up a test for a Kansas City offence that produced the league’s best 61 yards after catch in goal-to-go situations last season.
Patrick Mahomes is reportedly on track to start after knee surgery. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes has “a pretty good chance” to play, while Josh Simmons also has a good chance to miss the game, according to Fox Sports. Player availability remains subject to official confirmation.
Denver’s Courtland Sutton is listed as a starting wide receiver on the Broncos’ unofficial depth chart and is seeking a third consecutive season with more than 1,000 receiving yards. Kansas City’s leading listed receivers include Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
The betting market lists a 43.5-point total, with Kansas City’s moneyline at -146 and Denver’s at +123. Those figures are time-sensitive and may change before the scheduled kickoff.
