The 2026 Monday Night Football slate opens up with an AFC West clash when the Kansas City Chiefs and comeback players of the year candidate Patrick Mahomes makes his return from injury at home against the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos are coming off a breakthrough 14-3 season that saw them advance to the AFC Championship, while the Chiefs shockingly missed the playoffs after Mahomes' injury.
Kansas City comes in as a 2/12-point home favorite as both teams look to get an early jump in the divisional race.
Is Mahomes playing week 1?
Yes, Patrick Mahomes is returning from a knee injury sustained in the mid-2025 season and will start against
the Denver Broncos.
What time is Monday Night Football?
The Monday Night Football game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs starts at 6:15 p.m. MT/7:15 p.m. CT Monday, Sept. 14, from the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. It will be televised on ABC and ESPN.
Monday Night Football: Broncos at Chiefs
Monday Night Football will be streamed on ESPN and ABC.
TV: ABC and ESPN
Broncos at Chiefs odds
From BetMGM.com
Kansas City Chiefs -2 1/2. Over-under 44 1/2. Kansas City is -450 on the money line, Denver is +120.
Broncos vs Chiefs prediction
The line: Kansas City Chiefs 24, Denver Broncos 21.
With a line of 2 1/2 points and an over-under of 44 1/2, the Chiefs are expected to win 24-21 or 24-22.
Arizona Republic: Kansas City Chiefs 27, Denver Broncos 24
Jeremy Cluff writes: "Sean Payton holds a 7-4 coaching record against Andy Reid, but Reid has had an entire offseason to get ready for this game. This one could be very interesting."
Bookies.com: Take the Broncos with the points.
Bill Speros writes: "The Broncos ended KC's nine-year reign in the AFC West but snowed out in the AFC Championship by the Patriots and an injury to Bo Nix. The Broncos defense may be the NFL's best this season. And it shows on this night."
Sports Betting Dime: Broncos 18.1, Kansas City 11.4
This site picks the Broncos to win and cover with the score going under.
Dimers.com: Chiefs 23, Broncos 20
This site picks the Chiefs to win and cover with the score going over.
BetMGM: Chiefs to cover vs. Broncos
Bill Hinnion writes: "Based on the Broncos’ inexperience against good offenses and Kansas City’s presumed ability to run the ball, my Chiefs vs Broncos prediction is the Chiefs Spread (-3, -105). Confidence here is relatively low given the unknowns surrounding Patrick Mahomes’ health. Additionally, it’s difficult to evaluate this game in a nutshell given the 2025 meetings."
ESPN: Chiefs have a 59.8% chance to win.
ESPN gives the Broncos a 39.9% chance to win with a 0.3% chance of a fie.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What time is the NFL game tonight? Broncos vs Chiefs odds, prediction
