Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid pre game against the Jets at
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and head coach Andy Reid. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Sunday night’s NFL game features two teams coming off different Week 1 outcomes. Indianapolis’ defense was torched on the ground, as Derrick Henry averaged 6.0 yards per carry, 144 yards, and three touchdowns.
This could repeat what Kansas City’s offense did to Denver’s defense in Week 1. The Colts need to be at their best, as they don’t want to start the season 0-2 after entering as underdogs to win the AFC South. The Chiefs made a statement in Week 1.
They ran the ball efficiently, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes looked to be on the right track as he works his way toward pre-injury form following last season’s devastating knee injury. Ahead of Sunday night’s game, here are four bold predictions.
MORE: Bold predictions for Week 2 of 2026 NFL season
Indianapolis stuffs the run but is beat in the air
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (14) against the Seattle Seahawks prior to a game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Colts know the Chiefs will emphasize their running game. Indianapolis will load the box to prevent Kenneth Walker III from having the same impact he had in Week 1. In doing so, Patrick Mahomes will find success through the air. The Colts’ defense will have issues throughout Sunday night’s game.
Prediction: Kansas City dominates Indianapolis in the air, and Patrick Mahomes has his first 300-yard passing game of the season.
The Colts are forced to feed Jonathan Taylor due to Daniel Jones’ limitations
Sep 13, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Let’s be clear, an Achilles tear takes longer than nine months to fully recover. Daniel Jones is not close to the burst and agility he had before the injury. This was evident in Jones’ Week 1 performance. Chiefs’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will pressure Jones early and often during Sunday night’s game. The Colts will have no choice but to give Taylor the ball, even if gains are minimal. If Indianapolis wins this game, it’s because their playmaker finds ways to miss tackles and greatly impact the passing game.
Prediction: Jonathan Taylor won’t sniff his 5.2 YPC from Week 1, but he will receive 25 carries and have 8 targets in passing situations.
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Patrick Mahomes will set a new career-high in passing yards in a game
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
On November 19th, 2018, against the Los Angeles Rams, Mahomes passed for 478 yards. This record will be surpassed on September 20th, 2026. The Colts will overcommit trying to stop the run, forcing the Chiefs’ quarterback to spread the ball to several receivers. The damage done through the air will get ugly early.
Prediction: Patrick Mahomes has a career day, passing for 500 yards and five touchdowns.
The Kansas City Chiefs win their second 2026 game at Arrowhead, 52-10
NFL: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Sep 14, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts with fans after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Chiefs will move the football with ease. As the Colts try to limit Kenneth Walker III, Patrick Mahomes takes over and does a full 180 compared to Week 1’s mediocre performance. The quarterback passes for five touchdowns, Kenneth Walker III has two trips to the end zone following the team’s air attack to the red zone, and Harrison Butker adds one field goal. The Chiefs move to 2-0, and Colts ownership starts conversations about making a move at head coach.
Prediction: The Kansas City Chiefs blow out the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.