Chiefs-broncos Week 1 Game And Score Predictions From Arrowhead Pride

It’s time for the Arrowhead Pride staff to put their opinions to the test. Before the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos for “Monday Night Football” in Week 1, our writers predicted the final score and result.

The Chiefs enter the AFC West battle as 2.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. In the old school, with home-field advantage, this points to the game basically being a toss-up.

We also want to know your score prediction! Vote in the poll on The Feed and share your score prediction!

Jared Sapp (@TrumanChief)

I am not as down on the Chiefs as this will make it sound.  I expect them to make the playoffs and challenge for the AFC West title.  However, this offense has not appeared together in the preseason.  I think Denver’s defense will show the most readiness of the units that take the field on Monday.  I expect the Broncos to come out on top in an ugly affair.

Broncos 19, Chiefs 13

Caleb James (@CJScoobs)

Both teams will be missing key pieces heading into Monday Night, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. Broncos star pass rusher Jonathan Cooper is on the NFL Commissioner Exempt List, while Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons is not likely to play due to a back injury.

This will leave the Chiefs starting rookie Khalil Benson at right tackle, while the Broncos will likely go rusher by committee to make up for Cooper. This isn’t great news for the Chiefs, but they can focus on proving Benson helps with chips and extra slides to the left, especially when he ends up going against Nik Bonitto.

Overall, this game will likely come down to which offense builds momentum early and sustains drives late, especially with both quarterbacks coming off serious injury. Kenneth Walker will make his home debut, and the Chiefs should look to pound the rock with him early and often to let Mahomes ease into the game.

Chiefs 21, Broncos 17

Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels)

I’ve got the Chiefs beating the Broncos because I think Patrick Mahomes is playing with a chip on his shoulder with so many people counting him and Kansas City out. Adding Kenneth Walker should give this offense the balance it’s been missing and take some pressure off Mahomes. I also really like the upside of this young, improved Chiefs defense. I think KC reminds everybody why you don’t bet against Mahomes.

Chiefs 24, Broncos 23

Maurice Elston (@MrMauriceElston)

I expect this game to remain tight throughout. Neither team’s starters played many preseason snaps together, so I anticipate some early rust—particularly from both offenses. The defenses could control the first half before the quarterbacks and play-callers begin settling into the game.

Ultimately, I believe the opener will be decided late in the fourth quarter. Mahomes leads one final drive, Kansas City kicks the winning field goal, and the Chiefs open the season with a three-point victory.

Chiefs 20 Broncos 17

Dakota Watson (@D_Watson56)

My heart says Chiefs, my head says otherwise. An undrafted rookie left tackle protecting Mahomes’ blindside in his first game back from injury doesn’t inspire confidence. Nor does Chris Jones showing up on the injury report late in the week. I just feel like there’s too much on paper against the Chiefs in this one. But it’s just game 1, and it doesn’t mean I’m down on them for the entire season.

Broncos 24, Chiefs 20

Rocky Magana (@RockyMagana)

I understand the trepidation over the Chiefs entering this game without a proven left tackle. Especially since this is Mahomes’ first game back since injury. But I also expect Kansas City to run the rock a lot. I don’t think this is going to be a high-scoring affair.

Despite public opinion on social media, I think Bo Nix is still just an average young quarterback.  And if the Patriots vs. Seahawks game taught us anything, it’s that when a mediocre young QB meets a really good defense, the defense usually wins. Now I do think Denver has better pass catchers than New England, but I also think the Chiefs’ secondary matches up really well against Denver. I think both teams keep this one close, and Denver has a shot to win at the end of the game, and just like Seattle’s defense, the Chiefs break their little Donkey hearts and walk away with the win at home to start the season.

Chiefs 16, Broncos 13

Nate Christensen

Denver has been a tough matchup for the Chiefs these past few years due to their ability to play man coverage against our wide receivers and their explosive pass rush. Those things still remain, and the Chiefs are dealing with their best tackle, Josh Simmons, being unavailable for this game. I worry about the Chiefs’ ability to throw the ball in this game. I do think the Chiefs’ defense keeps this game close, but Denver pulls ahead late to win.

Denver 19, Chiefs 13

Ron Kopp Jr. (@RonOnChiefs)

As unideal as it is to begin the season with two starters down, especially when your reigning-division-champion opponent has no injuries (Broncos edge rusher Jonathon Cooper is on the Commissioner’s Exempt List), this game is as make-or-break as a season opener can be.

I believe a win can set Kansas City up for the comeback season optimists are expecting, while a loss could spiral into a similarly frustrating season as 2025. There is that much riding on this game, and I think you will see it from the players, coaching staff and fans in the best way possible.

We may only have five years left of the Arrowhead advantage, but it will still be alive and well until then, especially on a beautiful Monday evening in September. Chiefs Kingdom makes a difference on defense, energized by the all-time aura moment when Patrick Mahomes runs out of the tunnel 274 days after tearing his ACL and LCL.

I expect to be fired up about the pass rush after this one.

Chiefs 20, Broncos 17