The 2026 NFL regular season will officially close out its opening week Monday night when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in an AFC West showdown at Arrowhead Stadium.

The matchup marks the regular-season return of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee late last season and did not appear during the preseason while completing his rehabilitation. Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Mahomes was expected to start unless something changed before kickoff.

Denver will also have its starting quarterback back in action. Bo Nix is returning after an ankle injury ended his 2025 season and forced the Broncos to rely on a backup during their playoff run. Denver finished last season 14-3, won the AFC West and reached the AFC Championship Game, while Kansas City went 6-11 and missed the playoffs.

The Broncos won both meetings between the division rivals last season, including a victory that helped Denver take the AFC West title for the first time in a decade. Monday's game will be the first time Denver has opened a season in Kansas City, according to the Broncos.

Kansas City also enters the game with questions on its offensive line. Josh Simmons is dealing with a back injury and is unlikely to play, leaving undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson in line to start at left tackle.

The Chiefs are scheduled for six primetime games this season, beginning with Monday night's division matchup. Their Week 2 game against the Indianapolis Colts is also scheduled for Sunday Night Football.