
The Denver Broncos will not host their Week 1 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, which may actually benefit them. The Chiefs will start the 2026 NFL season at home despite the Broncos' strong performance last season.
Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) celebrates after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos may have “deserved” to host a Week 1 Primetime game vs. the Chiefs, but it’s better they don’t.
The Denver Broncos are set to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season on ESPN. This was announced on Tuesday morning, but the host wasn't announced until about 2 PM MT.
It was then announced that the Chiefs would be given the nod to start the year at home. This is a bit surprising, considering the Chiefs were swept by the Broncos last season, and Denver was the No. 1 seed in the AFC and almost reached the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs are in a position to start the year at home, and that's an advantage that Denver now doesn't have. But, then again, this feels like a situation the Broncos should be happy to have on their side. I know, fans are upset, because who doesn't want to start the season at home? But, hear me out-this is better for the Broncos.
There's a chance that the Chiefs and Broncos are both without their starting QBs. There's a chance that only one of the two plays, too. However, if they both play, Denver has to like their chances.
Mahomes tore his ACL near the end of last season. He's been going hard in his recovery, and there is reason to believe he will be available Week 1. broke his foot in the postseason last year, and maybe some think he will be available as well. If they're both playing against one another, it could be a classic AFC West rivalry game. Updates on Mahomes' rehab have been cautious.
The Broncos were not chosen to host the Week 1 game against the Chiefs, who will start the season at home instead.
The Broncos were the No. 1 seed in the AFC and swept the Chiefs last season.
Not having home-field advantage may actually benefit the Broncos, allowing them to avoid the pressure of a primetime opener.

Liverpool eyes another PSG player as Alisson's Juventus move looms
JJ Gabriel crowned Premier League's inaugural U18 Player of the Season!
PSG faces Lens in a crucial Ligue 1 clash; title on the line!
La Liga takes action after offensive chants at Vinicius during El Clasico.
PSG set to face Lens in crucial Ligue 1 match on Wednesday
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
The Chiefs praise his effort but give few details. Even Chiefs HC Andy Reid, speaking about Mahomes' potential return for OTAs, was careful. Mahomes is in a good spot, but the team might keep PUP list options open.
All of that to say: The Chiefs could be without Mahomes Week 1, and if they have him, he could be a bit rusty. Isn't that when you would want to get a tough road game out of the way? Then, your home game against the Chiefs comes later in the year when you are possibly battling them for the top spot in the AFC West, or a Wildcard spot. This should be exactly what Denver is hoping for.