Kenneth Walker III made an unforgettable first impression in a Chiefs uniform. The new running back rushed for a career-high 173 yards and scored two touchdowns as Kansas City beat the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday Night Football.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP, signed by the Chiefs in free agency after helping Seattle win the title, carried the ball 23 times and added 18 receiving yards. His big plays included a 60-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that broke the game open.
Mahomes returns strong
Patrick Mahomes played his first game since knee surgery in December. Wearing a brace on his left knee, he threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a 15-yard score early in the game.
Mahomes said after the win that Walker made a clear difference. “I told you all. What’s the difference with our offense? And I said, K9. Like, it’s just that simple.”
The Chiefs offense rolled up 220 rushing yards total. Walker forced many missed tackles and gave Kansas City a physical edge they lacked last season.
Defense stifles Broncos
Denver managed only 176 total yards. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 17 of 28 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Chiefs defense sacked him four times and kept the Broncos from mounting any serious comeback.
Kansas City never trailed after Mahomes’ early rushing touchdown. A late first-half score to Rashee Rice made it 14-7 at halftime. Walker’s long run and a short touchdown catch in the fourth quarter sealed the comfortable victory at Arrowhead Stadium.
The win marks a strong start for the Chiefs after missing the playoffs last year, while the Broncos open 0-1 after winning the AFC West in 2025.
