Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Broncos Kick Off at Chiefs Amid Mahomes, Nix Injuries

5/13/2026

41 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Broncos Open Season

Denver Broncos open 2026 season at Arrowhead Stadium against Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos are listed at +2.5 points, +140 moneyline, and a 43.5-point line at -118; AFC West odds favor Chiefs +170, Chargers +185, Broncos +210.
Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 and has a 73% chance to start; Bo Nix broke his ankle on Jan. 18, had a procedure last month, and is ready for camp.

Summary

Broncos Trade

The Broncos traded a first-round pick and assets for receiver Jaylen Waddle in March.
The Chiefs sent Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a first-round pick and compensation.
Kansas City signed Kenneth Walker II and drafted Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods in the first round.
Week 1 tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, with the game slated for ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes after the May 14 schedule release.

Summary

Chiefs Host Broncos

The Chiefs will host the Broncos on Sept 14, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. CT on ABC/ESPN, although the NFL had not confirmed the venue by early May.
Kansas City’s 16-game streak over Denver ended in 2024, with Denver’s 2025 sweep—its first since 2014—marking the continuation of the two teams’ 16-season run of AFC West titles.
Kansas City seeks to face the Atlanta Falcons in the Week 9 Madrid game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Denver Broncos finished 14-2, won Super Bowl XXXIII and saw quarterback John Elway retire after his second straight title. The franchise, a 16-time AFC West champion, returned to Arrowhead in Week 1 of the 2026 season, where the Kansas City Chiefs face a Broncos roster significantly reshaped by recent moves.

1 of 4

Broncos Open Season

Denver Broncos open 2026 season at Arrowhead Stadium against Kansas City Chiefs.
Broncos are listed at +2.5 points, +140 moneyline, and a 43.5-point line at -118; AFC West odds favor Chiefs +170, Chargers +185, Broncos +210.
Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14 and has a 73% chance to start; Bo Nix broke his ankle on Jan. 18, had a procedure last month, and is ready for camp.

1 / 4