Patrick Mahomes returned from a nine-month injury rehab to lead the Chiefs to a 31-10 season-opening win over the Denver Broncos, celebrating his comeback with a 15-yard touchdown scramble reaching 15.8 mph. Kenneth Walker III made his Kansas City debut with a career-high 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns, becoming just the third player since 2000 to reach 100 rushing yards in a Chiefs debut. The Chiefs leaned heavily on the run, executing 31 designed runs compared to 27 passing attempts, aided by undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson starting at left tackle in place of the injured Josh Simmons.

Mahomes praised his rehab work, saying the scramble touchdown confirmed it had 'paid off.' Walker credited the offensive line and preparation, noting their execution from OTAs to training camp. Benson lauded Walker as a 'phenomenal' runner, highlighting his ability to break tackles and produce after contact. Walker also recorded 191 all-purpose yards and converted four short-yardage situations, including a 60-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-inches.

Mahomes improved in the second half, completing 7 of 9 passes for 122 yards after finding his rhythm.