Broncos vs. Chiefs live updates, inactives, where to watch: Patrick Mahomes active for Week 1 after torn ACL in 2025; Bo Nix returns from ankle injury
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 in their 2026 season opener. Despite Patrick Mahomes returning from ACL surgery, the Chiefs dominated a struggling Broncos team that failed to generate offense or effective defense.
Why it matters
This game signals a potential shift in the AFC West power dynamic as the Chiefs look to reclaim their division title after a poor 2025 season.
The Denver Broncos were never guaranteed to replicate a special 2025 season. They went 14-3, winning many close games along the way. They had a great season as the Kansas City Chiefs stumbled to a stunning 6-11 record. The Broncos' luck ran out, as Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle late in a playoff win over the Buffalo Bills, and then they lost the AFC championship game in a blizzard with a backup quarterback. The ending stung, in part because Denver couldn't count on getting right back to that spot. The way the Broncos' 2026 season started isn't the best omen. The Broncos had a nightmare performance in a 31-10 loss to the Chiefs. A defense that was stellar last season missed way too many tackles, which was a reason Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards.
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