Chiefs vs. Broncos Preview for Week 1 NFL Matchup

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin their 2026 NFL season against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football, aiming to recover from a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in years.

This matchup will take place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET. The Chiefs, who previously dominated the AFC West for nine seasons, ended last year with a 6-11 record. In contrast, the Broncos finished 14-3, claiming their first division title since 2015 and reaching the AFC Championship Game.

Current betting odds favor Kansas City by 2.5 points, with an over/under set at 43.5 total points. A model that simulates NFL games 10,000 times predicts the game will see fewer than 43.5 points, citing strong defensive performances from both teams last season.