Patrick Mahomes wins, Broncos new play-calling plan loses as Chiefs dominate
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 in the 2026 season opener, highlighted by the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a strong performance by new running back Kenneth Walker III. The game marked a significant shift in the Chiefs' offensive strategy following Mahomes' recovery from knee surgery.
Why it matters
The game demonstrates the impact of roster changes and injury recovery on professional sports team performance in the NFL.
Hear this story KANSAS CITY, MO – Now this was a bit different. Patrick Mahomes was upstaged.
Monday night marked the return of the dynamic Kansas City Chiefs quarterback from the torn ligaments in his left knee.
But it was also the coming-out party for Kenneth Walker III.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP, who came over from the Seahawks as a free agent, gave his new team exactly what it bargained for to help blast the Denver Broncos 31-10.
Walker rushed for 173 yards and scored 2 TDs. And that was only part of it.
Winners and losers from the first Monday Night Football game of the 2026 season:
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