The Kansas City Chiefs opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Monday night, rolling past the Denver Broncos 31-10 at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs leaned heavily on newly signed running back Kenneth Walker III, who made an immediate impact in his Kansas City debut. Walker finished with 191 total yards and two touchdowns, rushing 23 times for 173 yards. His biggest play came in the third quarter when he broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run. He also caught a 2-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
Patrick Mahomes also made a strong return after missing the end of last season with a torn ACL. Mahomes completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 24 yards and scored Kansas City's first touchdown on a 15-yard run.
Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice for a 13-yard touchdown just before halftime, giving the Chiefs a 14-7 lead. Kansas City then pulled away in the second half, outscoring Denver 17-3.
The Chiefs' defense was particularly strong, recording nine consecutive stops on third down during the second quarter and into the second half.
Travis Kelce also made NFL history. His 59-yard reception in the third quarter moved him past Jason Witten for second place on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list among tight ends. Kelce finished with three catches for 71 yards.
The win was especially significant for Mahomes, coming exactly nine months after he suffered his ACL injury on the same field.
The Chiefs now turn their attention to Week 2. Kansas City will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 20, with kickoff scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CT. Listen to the game on both KFH and KNSS Radio in Wichita.
