Mahomes, Kenneth Walker III power Chiefs to 31-10 victory over Broncos
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Sept. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes accounted for a 15-yard rushing touchdown and two touchdown passes, and Kenneth Walker III broke a 60-yard run and later caught a 2-yard touchdown pass. The victory moved the Chiefs to 1-0 on the season while the Broncos fell to 0-1.
Kansas City struck first when Mahomes capped a 10-play, 46-yard drive with a 15-yard run with 8:11 remaining in the first quarter; Harrison Butker converted the extra point. Denver answered on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Bo Nix to Evan Engram late in the opening period on a 7-play, 68-yard drive, and Wil Lutz converted the extra point to tie the game 7-7. Both scoring drives consumed more than four minutes of clock.
Kansas City regained the lead just before halftime when Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice on a 13-yard touchdown pass with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter, finishing an 80-yard, 10-play series. Kansas City extended its lead in the third quarter when Walker broke free for a 60-yard run with 12:43 remaining in the period. Denver trimmed the deficit on a 31-yard field goal by Wil Lutz at 7:34 of the third, and Butker answered with a 28-yard field goal at 3:17 of the third.
Walker finished the scoring early in the fourth when he caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes with 14:39 remaining, capping a 4-play, 34-yard drive and pushing the final margin to 31-10. Kansas Citys defense held Denver to 10 points, limiting the Broncos opportunities in the second half. The scoring sequence closed out the game and preserved Kansas Citys opening-week victory.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Mahomes showcased his dual-threat ability, scoring on the ground and finding receivers for two touchdown passes, while Walker provided a game-changing 60-yard run and a short scoring reception. Kansas City combined explosive plays with steady kicking from Butker to control field position and sustain drives. The Chiefs defense allowed only 10 points, giving the offense room to operate and secure the win.