Chiefs rout Broncos 31-10 in Mahomes' return, Walker's big debut

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 season with a dominant 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. The blowout win was highlighted by the return of quarterback Patrick Mahomes from a torn ACL and LCL and a spectacular debut by running back Kenneth Walker. Mahomes, who suffered the knee injury in Week 15 of the 2025 season, made his first start in nine months. While his performance was described as crisp, the game's standout was Walker, the Chiefs' offseason acquisition. Walker rushed for 173 yards and caught passes for 18 more, totaling 191 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His 60-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was a pivotal play that extended the Chiefs' lead. The Chiefs' defense set the tone early when rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane intercepted Broncos quarterback Bo Nix on Denver's opening drive. Mahomes capitalized with a 15-yard touchdown scramble. The Broncos' offense struggled throughout the night under new offensive coordinator Davis Webb, managing only a single touchdown pass from Nix to Evan Engram in the first quarter.