The Denver Broncos looked nothing like the reigning AFC runner-up in their Week 1 "Monday Night Football" game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a 31-10 loss. With quarterback Bo Nix making his return from an ankle injury that he suffered during last season's playoffs, the Broncos' defense -- and their lack of tackling -- stole the headlines. Chiefs running back and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III dominated Denver to the tune of a career-high 173 rushing yards with one touchdown on the ground and another score through the air in his first game with Kansas City.
NFL.com's Trevor Sikkema noted just how bad the Broncos' defense was in the blowout defeat. Among the biggest plays for the Chiefs offense Monday night were a 60-yard touchdown run by Walker in the third quarter and a 59-yard reception from tight end Travis Kelce. According to Next Gen Stats, Walker forced 14 missed tackles in the contest, which were the most by a Kansas City player since at least 2018.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also had a 15-yard rushing touchdown midway through the first quarter for the game's first score. Mahomes finished the win 15-for-27 with 184 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception and added seven carries for 23 rushing yards and the score in his first game back from last season's torn ACL. Denver's struggles Monday night were a surprise, given how dominant its defense was during the 2025 campaign.
The Broncos led the NFL in sacks with 68 last season, while ranking second in rushing yards allowed per game (91.1) and third in points allowed per contest (18.3).
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