The Denver Broncos travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the first week of the 2026 NFL regular season. This game takes place at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday, September 14, at 8:15 PM. Fans can catch the game on ABC/E.
Both teams are part of the AFC West division. The Broncos are led by head coach Sean Payton, while the Chiefs are under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid. According to the consensus odds, the Chiefs have a slight edge with a moneyline of -146 and a spread of -2.5. The total points over/under is set at 43.0.
Broncos Preview
The Denver Broncos recently played three preseason games. They started with a win against the Atlanta Falcons, 27-7. In this game, the Broncos had 24 first downs, showing strong control of the field.
Next, the Broncos faced the Green Bay Packers and lost 33-13. They struggled with 13 first downs compared to the Packers’ 22. Their passing game saw just 155 yards, less than the Packers’ 181.
In their last preseason game, the Broncos played the Minnesota Vikings and won 34-6. Quarterback Sam Ehlinger contributed with 233 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Broncos had no fumbles, showing careful handling of the ball.
Chiefs Preview
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2026 season with some key players in top form. Patrick Mahomes, their star quarterback, threw for 3,587 yards in 14 games last season, ranking 12th in the league. However, Mahomes is currently questionable with a knee injury, which might affect his start this year.
The running back position is led by Kenneth Walker, who is also dealing with an ankle issue. Emmett Johnson and Brashard Smith provide depth, with both contributing solid rushing yards in the preseason. Johnson has been consistent, while Smith adds versatility with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
The Chiefs’ defense was strong last season, ranking 6th in opponent scoring at 19.3 points per game. Defensive end R Mason Thomas showed potential in the preseason with a sack against the Seahawks. The team will aim to maintain their defensive prowess this season, despite having several players listed as questionable or out due to injuries.
Betting Prediction
The Broncos’ defense was strong last season, ranking third in points allowed per game. They gave up only 18.3 points on average. This shows their ability to limit opposing teams’ scoring.
The Chiefs’ offense ranked 19th in points scored per game last season. They averaged just 21.3 points. This indicates they might struggle against a tough defense like the Broncos.
Both teams have solid defenses, with the Chiefs ranking sixth in points allowed per game. The combined average points scored by both teams last season is below 43. This suggests a low-scoring game is likely.
- Pick: Under 43.0 (-110).
