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Mahomes returns to start Chiefs’ Week 1 vs Broncos

9/9/2026

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Summary

Mahomes Starts

Patrick Mahomes will start the Chiefs’ Week 1 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Coach Andy Reid says Mahomes looks normal with a brace and should start after nine months rehab.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14, 2025 versus the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season.
He missed all preseason games, limiting contact in camp while rookies received extra reps.

Summary

Broncos Rush

Broncos' pass rush, led by Nik Bonitto’s 14-sack 2025 season, tops the NFL for a second year.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph will attack the Chiefs’ blind side after left tackle Josh Simmons’ back injury.
If Simmons misses the game, veteran Jaylon Moore will replace him, adding pressure on Patrick Mahomes.
Broncos’ 2025 franchise record 68 sacks and the addition of Jonathon Cooper (Exempt list) and Jonah Elliss strengthen the rush.

Summary

Chiefs Favored

Chiefs enter Week 1 as 2½-point favorites over the Broncos on Monday night.
Denver’s 2025 title ended Kansas City’s nine-year AFC West streak, giving Broncos a losing season since 2012.
Kenneth Walker III signed a three-year, $43 million deal to become the Chiefs’ lead back after a 1,027-yard season.
Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton said his nine-month ACL recovery suggests Patrick Mahomes should be fully ready.

History

Historical Context

After Peyton Manning’s 2016 comeback from a neck injury propelled the Denver Broncos to a 24-10 Super Bowl 50 win and a franchise-record 44 sacks, the AFC West has again hinged on defensive pressure. Now, with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sidelined by a Dec 14, 2025 ACL/LCL tear, the Broncos enter the matchup carrying 68 sacks, reviving the league-wide trend of quarterback-centric, defense-driven power shifts.

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Mahomes Starts

Patrick Mahomes will start the Chiefs’ Week 1 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Coach Andy Reid says Mahomes looks normal with a brace and should start after nine months rehab.
Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL on Dec. 14, 2025 versus the Los Angeles Chargers, ending his season.
He missed all preseason games, limiting contact in camp while rookies received extra reps.

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