Kansas City Chiefs Beat Denver Broncos 31-10 In Mahomes Comeback

Chiefs thrash Broncos to open NFL Season

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday night behind a 3-touchdown performance from Patrick Mahomes and a stunning debut from Kenneth Walker III.

“I didn't expect to run it that early, but I was able to use my legs early in the game...”

Patrick Mahomes scored one rushing touchdown and threw two more in his return from injury as the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday night.

Mahomes, a 3x Super Bowl champion, suffered a torn knee ligament in December. Nine months later he was back, delivering a statement win to cap the NFL’s opening weekend.

Despite Mahomes’ return, all eyes were on Kenneth Walker III after the running back exploded for 173 yards and 2 scores in his first game for Kansas City.

  

After earning Super Bowl MVP honors with Seattle last year, Walker signed with Kansas City in the offseason. He wasted no time, dominating as the focal point of the Chiefs’ rushing attack.

Mahomes singled out his new running back after the game: “I've been saying it all off-season, man. 'K9' is going to make a difference. That offensive line and 'K9', they took over the game.”

The win gave Kansas City a bit of payback. After winning nine straight AFC West titles, the Chiefs lost the division to Denver last year and missed the playoffs.

Denver made it to the AFC Championship last year, but Bo Nix’s broken ankle slowed them. His return on Monday was a tough one.

Nix completed passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, but was sacked four times and threw an interception in the loss.

 

The Broncos had no time to settle. Mahomes took off again, shrugging off a defender for a 15-yard TD run to cap the Chiefs’ first possession.

“It went really well,” Mahomes said. “I didn't expect to run it that early, but I was able to use my legs early in the game.”

FINAL: The @Chiefs close out Week 1 with a resounding victory. pic.twitter.com/6Oir8ctUvl

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2026

Denver drew level in Q1 as Bo Nix threw a 19-yard touchdown to Evan Engram. Kicker Wil Lutz followed it with his 100th straight extra point.

With time running out in the first half, Mahomes found Rashee Rice on a short pass for a touchdown that restored Kansas City’s advantage.