The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos are set to meet in a highly anticipated primetime tilt at Arrowhead Stadium on ‘Monday Night Football’ in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season.
While the Broncos are looking to defend their AFC West championship, Kansas City is set to test its fortunes with two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes under center in his first action since he sustained a season-ending knee injury in December 2025.
This week, Chiefs Wire sat down with Brandon Walker of Broncos Wire to get the inside scoop on Denver ahead of today’s game.
Take a look at Walker’s answers to our top questions:
“The Broncos were surprisingly quiet in the offseason, retaining near every single player from their 2025 roster into this season. The coaching staff maintained continuity, but I would point to two big moves as their biggest changes: Davis Webb taking over the play-calling, and the Broncos’ trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Webb will be in his first-ever playcalling role, but he will be overseen by coach Sean Payton, who is a Hall of Fame talent in his own right. As for Waddle, he adds an explosive element to the offense Denver has not had in many years. That element will be crucial to the offensive side of the ball, and Bo Nix if he is to take a step forward in Year 3.”
“The Broncos were surprisingly quiet in the offseason, retaining near every single player from their 2025 roster into this season. The coaching staff maintained continuity, but I would point to two big moves as their biggest changes: Davis Webb taking over the play-calling, and the Broncos’ trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Webb will be in his first-ever playcalling role, but he will be overseen by coach Sean Payton, who is a Hall of Fame talent in his own right. As for Waddle, he adds an explosive element to the offense Denver has not had in many years. That element will be crucial to the offensive side of the ball, and Bo Nix if he is to take a step forward in Year 3.”
“The Broncos’ top pass-rusher going into 2026 is Nik Bonitto. There is no question about Bonitto’s ability, as he shows a lot of the same elements to his game that No. 58 (Von Miller) once did. Bonitto is not the only pass-rusher any team needs to fear, as nearly everyone on the 2025 defensive lineup recorded a sack, en route to the fifth-most sacks in NFL history last year. The Broncos firmly believe they can break the NFL sack record in 2026, a record which has stood since the 1984 Chicago Bears.”
“The Broncos’ top pass-rusher going into 2026 is Nik Bonitto. There is no question about Bonitto’s ability, as he shows a lot of the same elements to his game that No. 58 (Von Miller) once did. Bonitto is not the only pass-rusher any team needs to fear, as nearly everyone on the 2025 defensive lineup recorded a sack, en route to the fifth-most sacks in NFL history last year. The Broncos firmly believe they can break the NFL sack record in 2026, a record which has stood since the 1984 Chicago Bears.”
“I would be lying if I didn’t say this team has all the potential in the world to be a championship team. The Broncos return the core part of their defense, and the offensive line remains unchanged as one of the top units in the NFL. Most importantly, the Broncos return quarterback Bo Nix, who, if not for a broken ankle suffered in the AFC divisional game in January, could very well have led Denver into the Super Bowl last season. All Denver needs to do is stay healthy, play well on both sides of the ball, and have good coaching. You know, all the main things every title contender should have.”
“I would be lying if I didn’t say this team has all the potential in the world to be a championship team. The Broncos return the core part of their defense, and the offensive line remains unchanged as one of the top units in the NFL. Most importantly, the Broncos return quarterback Bo Nix, who, if not for a broken ankle suffered in the AFC divisional game in January, could very well have led Denver into the Super Bowl last season. All Denver needs to do is stay healthy, play well on both sides of the ball, and have good coaching. You know, all the main things every title contender should have.”
“If the Broncos are to call themselves title contenders, they will need to start the season strong. Our first six games have six teams which could all be considered contenders for the Lombardi at the end of the season. To paraphrase a quote from former NFL coach Dennis Green, if Denver is who we think they are, they need a win over Kansas City in Week 1. I think Denver comes out strong, a 24-18 win over the Chiefs to kick off the 2026 season.”
“If the Broncos are to call themselves title contenders, they will need to start the season strong. Our first six games have six teams which could all be considered contenders for the Lombardi at the end of the season. To paraphrase a quote from former NFL coach Dennis Green, if Denver is who we think they are, they need a win over Kansas City in Week 1. I think Denver comes out strong, a 24-18 win over the Chiefs to kick off the 2026 season.”
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