Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton reacts before the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos found themselves on the receiving end of their 2026 NFL season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite coming off an impressive preseason showing, the Broncos lost 31-10 to the Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
The defeat led to head coach Sean Payton thinking about plans for Week 2. Speaking to reporters after the game, he said the preparation “becomes a little more mental” during a short week.
Payton and his staff plan to review the game film on Tuesday before they head into Week 2, where they will play the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Obviously, not a good evening,” Payton later said. “Didn't do a lot well at all in the game. … That starts with me, that starts with our coaching staff. I thought they won, really, in every phase.”
However, during the loss, the Broncos managed only 218 total yards and converted 3 of 12 third-down attempts, a 25% rate. They also held the ball for barely 24 minutes.
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Denver struggled to stop Patrick Mahomes on key third downs, while the Chiefs’ rushing attack consistently created problems for the defense. Kansas City finished with 385 total yards, including 164 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry.
Denver’s defense struggled to slow the Chiefs on the ground and could not create enough pressure when Mahomes dropped back.
The Broncos failed to record a single sack on Mahomes despite using different blitz packages. The Chiefs quarterback completed 23 of 31 passes, good for a 74.2% completion rate, while throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns.
After a disappointing start to the 2026 NFL regular season, the Broncos meet the Jaguars on Sunday, September 20, at their home field, Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.