Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (knee) has no injury status, cleared for comeback Monday night vs. Broncos | Latest NFL News, Analysis & Updates

Denver is bolstered by a stellar Nik Bonitto-led pass rush and the Chiefs are set to start undrafted free agent Kahlil Benson at left tackle in place of an injured Josh Simmons.

Kansas City is coming off a 6-11 season in which it failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and had its streak of nine straight AFC West titles snapped.

Mahomes, who had never fallen short of the postseason, much less a division title, until last season, had his worst passing season statistically since becoming the Chiefs starter in 2018. Denver swept Kansas City in 2025, though Mahomes missed the second tilt after he tore multiple ligaments in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Over 14 starts, Mahomes threw for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions

A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl MVP, Mahomes is set to begin his 10th year and age-31 season with his birthday right around the corner on Sept. 17.

With Mahomes and the Chiefs looking for a massive comeback season, the quarterback will make his eighth straight Week 1 start when Kansas City kicks off against Denver at 8:15 p.m. ET Monday.