Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on field against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the pre season game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero revealed on The Rich Eisen Show that all signs point to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes starting against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. He highlighted that Mahomes underwent immediate post-injury reconstructive surgery and possesses a renowned healing speed, which puts him on track for an opening-day return just nine months after suffering a severe knee injury.
This anticipated return has raised expectations throughout the NFL, prompting bold predictions about how dominant the two-time MVP will be when he returns to the field. In a piece for Sports Illustrated, senior NFL insider Albert Breer stated that after months of skepticism following his December 14 injury, Mahomes will silence his critics in a significant way. Breer confidently predicted that Mahomes will “come back like gangbusters,” ready to reclaim his position at the top of the sport.
Article Continues Below
ClutchQuiz
Question 1 of 4
What record did Jerry Rice set that still stands?
However, Breer emphasized a key question for Kansas City: Has the front office provided Mahomes with a sufficient supporting cast to navigate the challenging AFC landscape? According to Breer's analysis in Sports Illustrated, the Chiefs' chances of winning a championship hinge on two high-risk, high-reward draft picks, whose performance can vary widely. He specifically identified rookie left tackle Josh Simmons and young wide receiver Rashee Rice as critical wild cards. If Simmons can secure the blindside and Rice maintains offensive discipline, Kansas City could reach Super Bowl contender status. On the other hand, if either player struggles or suffers significant injuries, the team’s margin for error could shrink dramatically.
This uncertainty is compounded by a wave of youthful talent at Arrowhead Stadium. According to ESPN's Nate Taylor and Bookies.com roster analytics, Kansas City enters 2026 with an average player age of just 26 years and 92 days. This leaves Mahomes and 36-year-old tight end Travis Kelce as the only offensive veterans over 30, tasked with guiding a young roster toward another title run.