Chiefs defeat Broncos 31-10 in season opener

Kansas City secured a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in the opening game of the 2026 NFL season. Running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards, the most ever by a player in his first Chiefs game, and capped a fourth-down play with a 60-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes contributed three scores, including a 15-yard rushing touchdown and touchdown passes to Rashee Rice and Walker.

The Chiefs' defense limited Denver to ten points after the first quarter, forcing two turnovers – an interception by Mansoor Delane and a strip-sack recovered by Chris Jones. Denver quarterback Bo Nix was sacked three times, and the Broncos were repeatedly pushed into long-yardage situations. kicker Harrison Butker was perfect on four extra points and a 28-yard field goal, while punter Matt Araiza averaged 54.5 yards on four punts, placing two inside the 20-yard line.

The game remained tied at 7-7 after the first quarter, but Kansas City pulled ahead with an 80-yard drive capped by Mahomes' pass to Rashee Rice before halftime. In the third quarter, Walker broke a 60-yard run on fourth-and-1 to extend the lead, and a subsequent interception gave Denver a brief chance to narrow the gap, resulting only in a field goal. Mahomes later connected with Travis Kelce for a 59-yard gain, setting up a field goal that made the score 24-10.

Denver's late-quarter turnover led to another Chiefs touchdown, bringing the final margin to 31-10. The Chiefs controlled the clock in the closing minutes, running the ball to seal the win.