Week 1: Mahomes Returns on Monday Night Against the Broncos That Swept Him
The Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, September 14, in Patrick Mahomes' first game since tearing his ACL and LCL last December. Mahomes has practiced fully with the starters since July but did not play in the preseason, and Andy Reid said final medical clearance was still pending as of midweek. Denver went 14-3, took the AFC West from Kansas City for the first time in a decade and swept the series, including a Christmas win at Arrowhead. Bo Nix is healthy after ankle surgery, Jaylen Waddle arrived by trade from Miami, and Davis Webb takes over the play-calling. Kansas City missed the playoffs at 6-11, brought back Eric Bieniemy as coordinator and signed Kenneth Walker III.
Mahomes' first game back, nine months after surgery
He has never opened a season without preseason snaps outside of 2020, and Chris Jones' back kept him out of one practice this week.
Denver has won three straight in the series
The Broncos beat Kansas City 22-19 and 20-13 last year and reached the AFC Championship Game with Jarrett Stidham starting.
Kansas City rebuilt its offense around continuity
Travis Kelce returned on a one-year deal, Walker replaces the committee backfield, and Justin Fields is the backup if Mahomes' knee needs a break.
AI Prediction
Broncos 
Chiefs Denver's roster was better last year and mostly returns
A 14-3 team that swept Kansas City and added Waddle is the more complete roster right now, even against a healthy Mahomes.
Mahomes without preseason reps is a real unknown
The Chiefs' 6-11 season predates the injury, and the offense has a new coordinator and a quarterback who has not been hit since December.
Arrowhead on Monday night is why this is a coin flip
Kansas City at home in prime time with Mahomes healthy has been close to automatic for years, and that history is the case against the pick.
The model takes Denver by a field goal against the sportsbook line. It is the closest call of the week and the one most likely to look wrong if Mahomes is fully himself.
Chiefs Leaders
Broncos Leaders
Venue
Closing Line
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Chiefs Injuries