Broncos vs. Chiefs: Three must-know storylines for Monday’s Week 1 prime-time game

1) Both QBs are coming off major injuries

Patrick Mahomes is set to make his much-anticipated return after tearing his ACL in Week 15 last season. His reward for working his way back to the field in roughly nine months? Facing a ferocious Denver defense that has led the league in sacks for two straight years. He will also be without left tackle Josh Simmons due to a back injury, putting undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson in line to serve as his blindside blocker. It’s a heck of a test, but the two-time Most Valuable Player is as capable as anyone of working his way through it. Whereas Mahomes didn’t play at all in the preseason, Bo Nix suited up for two drives in Denver’s second preseason game as part of his process of coming back from a broken ankle suffered in the Divisional Round. He looked comfortable in the limited action, going 6 of 9 for 76 yards and a touchdown, but he wasn’t required to move around a ton and test out his mobility. It’ll be the real deal against the Chiefs, who will do their best to flush him out and make him uncomfortable.

2) Broncos, Chiefs taking different backfield approaches

Denver enters the season with a deep, versatile running back room. J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, who combined for 1,705 scrimmage yards and 16 scores last season, are back atop the depth chart. Dobbins is the better all-around back, but he’s struggled to stay on the field throughout his career, as evidenced by the running back missing the Broncos’ final nine games last season, including playoffs. He nonetheless led the team in rushing yards as Harvey proved dynamic in the passing game but took time to find his footing. They won’t be powering Denver’s ground game alone, though. Despite being listed third on the depth chart, rookie Jonah Coleman has the talent to carve out a role sooner rather than later, giving Sean Payton three ball-carriers with which to attack Kansas City’s front. The Chiefs are likely to feature more of a solo act. After missing out on playing in the Super Bowl for just the second time in seven years, they signed the Super Bowl LX MVP, Kenneth Walker III. It’s been a while since Andy Reid’s Chiefs utilized a true workhorse running back, such as when Kareem Hunt shouldered the load during his first stint in Kansas City or Jamaal Charles spearheaded the attack during Reid’s early years with the club. Both produced tremendous results, and now 2026 figures to be the KWIII show. He’ll play a vital role in helping the offense function at a high level while Patrick Mahomes gets fully back to himself.