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2026 NFL schedule: Broncos and Chiefs play in 1st Monday night game of the season
TL;DR
The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the 2026 NFL season with the first Monday Night Football game on September 14. The game location is yet to be determined, and the availability of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains uncertain due to a knee injury.
Key points
- Broncos vs. Chiefs on September 14
- First game of ESPN's Monday Night Football schedule
- Game location not yet determined
- Patrick Mahomes recovering from knee injury
- Bo Nix expected to return for training camp
Denver BroncosKansas City ChiefsPatrick MahomesBo Nix
NEW YORK (AP) — The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs will play Sept. 14 in the first game of ESPN's “Monday Night Football” schedule.
Where that game will be played was not part of Tuesday morning's announcement. The location has not been determined yet with the NFL still finalizing things ahead of Thursday night's 2026 season schedule release.
Another unknown is whether two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes will be available for that season opener. His goal is to be ready for Week 1. The Chiefs quarterback tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee on Dec. 14 in the final minutes of a loss to the Chargers, which effectively eliminated the Chiefs from playoff contention.
Quarterback Bo Nix is expected to be ready for training camp after breaking a bone in his right ankle on Jan. 18 during the AFC playoffs. Denver finished last season losing the AFC championship game to New England.
Q&A
When is the first Monday Night Football game of the 2026 NFL season?
The first Monday Night Football game of the 2026 NFL season is scheduled for September 14.
Will Patrick Mahomes be playing in the 2026 season opener?
It is uncertain if Patrick Mahomes will be available for the season opener as he is recovering from a knee injury.
What injury did Bo Nix sustain and when will he return?
Bo Nix broke a bone in his right ankle during the AFC playoffs but is expected to be ready for training camp.