Patrick Mahomes is back.
But his first game couldn’t be much tougher.
The Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, with Mahomes expected to make his return just nine months after tearing his ACL and LCL. He has been a full participant in practice and is expected to start barring a setback.
And Denver should be ready for him.
Broncos Resume Check
The Broncos are coming off an AFC Championship appearance and enter 2026 as one of the most complete teams in football.
Bo Nix is back healthy, Denver added Jaylen Waddle, and the defense remains the biggest reason to believe this team can contend for a Super Bowl.
That defense allowed only 283.4 yards per game last season and led the NFL in sacks per game.
Against Mahomes in his first game back, that’s a massive advantage.
Chiefs Resume Check
Kansas City is trying to erase the memory of a disastrous 6-11 season.
Getting Mahomes back obviously changes everything, and adding Kenneth Walker III should give the Chiefs a much more dangerous rushing attack.
But there are still questions surrounding the offensive line, and Mahomes hasn’t played a real game since suffering the knee injury.
Denver is not the opponent you want when trying to shake off the rust.
How Denver Wins
Make Mahomes uncomfortable immediately.
Pressure him, force him out of rhythm and make him prove he’s ready to move around normally again.
Offensively, Nix doesn’t need to be Superman. Protect the football, establish the run and take advantage when Kansas City’s defense gives him opportunities.
How Kansas City Wins
Mahomes has to look like Mahomes.
If he’s moving comfortably and creating plays outside the pocket, Kansas City can absolutely win this game.
The Chiefs also need Walker to take pressure off their quarterback and prevent Denver from simply attacking the pocket all night.
Prediction
Arrowhead on Monday night will be difficult.
Mahomes returning makes it even tougher.
But Denver is the better team right now.
The Broncos’ defense creates a couple of huge plays, Nix does enough offensively and Denver spoils Mahomes’ return with an early divisional statement.
Broncos 27, Chiefs 20.
