Patrick Mahomes returned from a major injury to lead the Kansas City Chiefs in their season-opening win over the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2014 and finished 6-11 after Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee during a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. This year’s game saw Mahomes back on the field and playing, even though he didn’t throw for many yards early in the contest. Mahomes underwent surgery the day after the injury and was fully cleared to participate when the Chiefs opened training camp in July.
The Chiefs’ offense leaned heavily on running back Kenneth Walker III, who rushed for 173 yards and scored a 60-yard touchdown, according to The Sporting News. Walker’s performance was the most yards rushing by a Chiefs player since Jamaal Charles in 2012, according to a report from The Guardian. Mahomes did not throw for many yards but still managed to score a touchdown himself with a 15-yard run up the middle. Walker finished with 23 carries for 173 yards and added three catches for 18 yards. He scored twice in his Kansas City debut.
Walker joined the Chiefs during the offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He signed with Kansas City in March after being named Super Bowl LX MVP with Seattle.
The Broncos tied the game after quarterback Bo Nix threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Evan Engram, Yahoo Sports reported. Kansas City responded with a 10-play, 80-yard drive that ended with Mahomes throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rashee Rice for a 14-7 halftime lead. Walker then broke a 60-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to extend the lead to 21-7. After the teams traded field goals later in the third quarter, a fumble by Broncos quarterback Bo Nix helped Kansas City put the game away. Mahomes then connected with rookie Emmett Johnson for a gain that set up a first-and-goal situation.
A 59-yard completion from Mahomes to Travis Kelce had earlier set up Harrison Butker’s 28-yard field goal. Nix lost a fumble on Denver’s next possession. In a play, Mahomes lined up in a three-point stance and shovel-passed the ball to Walker for the final score. The Chiefs finished with a 31-10 win, showing off their run-heavy offensive strategy. The shovel pass went for two yards and gave Walker his second touchdown of the night.
This game marked the first time since Mahomes’ injury that he played in a regular-season game. The team’s approach focused on physical ball control and defense, which helped them win with less dependence on Mahomes’ passing. Mahomes’ return was seen as a sign that he had recovered from his torn ACL and LCL injury. Mahomes completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran seven times for 23 yards and a touchdown.
The Chiefs’ performance showed they were ready to compete again in the 2026 season. This game was also a strong indicator of how the team’s style of play has shifted toward a more balanced and physical approach. The Chiefs’ success in Week 1 was not only due to Mahomes’ return but also to their ability to adapt their game plan. Kansas City ran the ball 38 times while Mahomes attempted 27 passes. The Chiefs also held Denver to 176 total yards and nine first downs. Denver converted only two of its 12 third-down attempts.
The victory ended Kansas City’s six-game losing streak dating back to the 2025 season. It also snapped a three-game losing streak against Denver. The Broncos had ended Kansas City’s nine-year run as AFC West champions the previous season.
With Walker’s strong debut and Mahomes back in the lineup, the Chiefs showed they are a team ready for the season ahead.
IMAGE: Patrick Mahomes II, a National Football League player. Photo: Jeffrey Beall / Wikimedia Commons, taken December 31, 2017, CC BY 4.0.