Broncos, Chiefs to kick off 2026 season on MNF

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th May, 10:53 2026

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos take their AFC West rivalry to primetime in the opening "Monday Night Football" game of the 2026 season.

The location was not yet announced.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is working his way back from a torn ACL and has targeted a return for the Week 1 matchup.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix also ended his season with an injury that required surgery. Head coach Sean Payton said Nix is expected to be "full speed" for training camp after two procedures on his ankle.

Denver swept the Chiefs last season and won the division for the first time since 2015, the last time the Broncos won the Super Bowl.

Kansas City won the West from 2016-24 but finished in third place in the division in 2025.

The Chiefs were rumored to be under consideration to visit the Seahawks in the NFL Opening Night game that features the defending Super Bowl champions.

The NFL has not announced Seattle's opponent with the full NFL schedule to be released Thursday night.

--Field Level Media

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