Broncos losing out on home-field advantage for Week 1 vs. the Chiefs is actually exactly what they needed, and fans won’t want to hear why

The Denver Broncos may have “deserved” to host a Week 1 Primetime game vs. the Chiefs, but it’s better they don’t.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs Week 1 Primetime ESPN, Monday Night Football
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) celebrates after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos are set to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season on ESPN. This was announced on Tuesday morning, but the host wasn’t announced until about 2 PM MT.

It was then announced that the Chiefs would be given the nod to start the year at home. This is a bit surprising, considering the Chiefs were swept by the Broncos last season, and Denver was the No. 1 seed in the AFC and almost reached the Super Bowl.

The Chiefs are in a position to start the year at home, and that’s an advantage that Denver now doesn’t have. But, then again, this feels like a situation the Broncos should be happy to have on their side. I know, fans are upset, because who doesn’t want to start the season at home? But, hear me out—this is better for the Broncos.

Broncos should be happy to start the season at Kansas City in Week 1

There’s a chance that the Chiefs and Broncos are both without their starting QBs. There’s a chance that only one of the two plays, too. However, if they both play, Denver has to like their chances.

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.

Broncos’ 2026 opponents

  • Chargers (Home and Away)
  • Raiders (Home and Away)
  • Chiefs (Home and Away)
  • Buffalo Bills (Home)
  • Miami Dolphins (Home)
  • Los Angeles Rams (Home)
  • Seattle Seahawks (Home)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (Home)
  • New England Patriots (Away)
  • New York Jets (Away)
  • San Francisco 49ers (Away)
  • Arizona Cardinals (Away)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Away)
  • Carolina Panthers (Away)

The Chiefs praise his effort but give 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.

All of that to say: The Chiefs could be without Mahomes Week 1, and if they have him, he could be a bit rusty. Isn’t that when you would want to get a tough road game out of the way? Then, your home game against the Chiefs comes later in the year when you are possibly battling them for the top spot in the AFC West, or a Wildcard spot. This should be exactly what Denver is hoping for.

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