The Denver Broncos will open the season against their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night in front of a national audience.
Denver will be looking to defend its division title after a 14-3 2025 season, while Kansas City will be looking to bounce back after a 6-11 season that saw them miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.
This is a high-stakes matchup that is sure to have playoff implications down the line. If the Broncos want to continue their success after sweeping the Chiefs last season, they’ll need several key players to deliver impact performances.
3 bold predictions for Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1
Broncos sack Patrick Mahomes 5 times
The Denver defense was able to sack Mahomes three times in their matchup last season. This time around, Mahomes is coming back from a torn ACL which could impact his mobility.
To make matters worse, starting left tackle Josh Simmons will be out with an injury and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson will get the start against the Broncos’ vaunted pass rush.
With Mahomes working his way back from an injury and playing behind a shaky offensive line, Denver’s defense should be able to make his life miserable on Monday.
Jaylen Waddle has a 100-yard day in Broncos debut
Jaylen Waddle is making his debut for the Broncos after Denver traded a haul to acquire him from the Miami Dolphins, including a first-round pick.
Waddle has elite speed and route-running ability and should play a major role in the passing game.
Kansas City has two new starting cornerbacks after moving on from Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason. Their new cornerbacks, Kristian Fulton and rookie Mansoor Delane, will have their hands full against the Broncos’ deep receiver room, and Waddle will reap the benefits.
Bo Nix will pepper his newest receiver with targets, and Waddle could start his Broncos tenure with a bang in the form of 100 yards, and potentially a touchdown catch.
JK Dobbins rushes for 100 yards
JK Dobbins missed both of Denver’s matchups against the Chiefs last year, so this is his first chance to take part in the AFC West rivalry.
The Broncos would love to establish a strong ground game and keep the ball away from Mahomes and the Chiefs offense.
Kansas City has a stout rushing defense, finishing top-10 last season, but Denver has one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and Dobbins has something to prove after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 10 last year.
Dobbins will have a triumphant return with 100 yards on the ground, paving the way for a Broncos victory.
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