The Kansas City Chiefs are going to be opening the 2026 NFL Season on Primetime TV, right back where they have been the last 10 years or so.

“You always wonder how you’re going to start the season,” ESPN Play by Play Analyst Joe Buck said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “And our answer is a game between Denver and Kansas City. We do not know the location. That’s kind of the crazy part. It points out the fact that this schedule release is fluid up until Thursday. … It’s a great matchup in the AFC West. Hopeful within that matchup we get Mahomes and Nix, which makes it that much better.”

This season’s first Monday Night Football game, Sept. 14, will be the Denver Broncos vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

The game’s site still has not been determined as the NFL still is finalizing its schedule for Thursday’s release. pic.twitter.com/IFOOkL0xze

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 12, 2026

With the Chiefs set to play the Broncos in Week 1, questions remain about where the game will be played. But there are no roadblocks for the Chiefs in terms of getting this done. Yes, the World Cup is set to be in Kansas City, but that won’t affect the team in August. And, the Kansas City Royals, who would need the parking lot next door, aren’t going to be playing at home in Week 1 or Week 2. So, that’s not an issue either. This can happen for the Chiefs, and every fan should want it to happen.

Logistically speaking, there's no road blocks for the Chiefs' Week 1 tilt with the Broncos to be at Arrowhead. World Cup retrofitting will be dealt with in August. The Royals are on the road (also on the road in Week 2).

— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) May 12, 2026

Of course, being AFC West rivals means the two teams will play twice a year, every year. One of those games will be at home, and one will be away. Starting a season with a rivalry game at home could be a huge boost to your season, especially if you win the game. It gets you started on a momentous run that any team could benefit from. So, both teams want this, and of course, both fan bases want this game at home.

Chiefs could get a Week 1 game vs. the Broncos with Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes tore his ACL near the end of last season. He’s been going hard in his recovery, and there is reason to believe he will be available Week 1. Bo Nix broke his foot in the postseason last year, and maybe some think he will be available as well. If they’re both playing against one another, it could be a classic AFC West rivalry game. Updates on Mahomes’ rehab have been cautious.

The team praises his effort but gives few details. Even Chiefs HC Andy Reid, speaking about Mahomes’ potential return for OTAs, was careful. Mahomes is in a good spot, but the team might keep PUP list options open. Knowing how he is, it feels inevitable that Mahomes will be suited up for Week 1. However, you cannot rule out setbacks.