Broncos Get +2.5 at Chiefs as Mahomes Returns for Week 1 AFC West Clash
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 14
Broncos Get +2.5 at Chiefs as Mahomes Returns for Week 1 AFC West Clash
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Sep 14
Summary
Kansas City entered Monday night as a 2.5-point home favorite over Denver, with the total set at 43.5 in the highest-stakes Week 1 AFC West matchup.
Patrick Mahomes' return from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season has not shifted the market toward Denver, even after Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons was ruled out and a rookie was set to protect Mahomes' blind side.
The betting analysis backs Broncos +2.5, arguing Denver's defensive front can exploit that protection issue and that Kansas City was not better than Denver after Mahomes went down last season.
Player picks centered on Jaylen Waddle over 52.5 receiving yards and Mahomes under 229.5 passing yards, citing Denver's offensive line edge and questions about the Chiefs' receiving depth.
With Mahomes hobbled and his blindside exposed, can Denver's relentless pass rush pull off a stunning Monday night upset at Arrowhead?
Will Kansas City's forced shift to a ground-and-pound offense be enough to mask their glaring vulnerabilities against the defending division champions?