Broncos must expect Chiefs' best shot in Week 1 following huge announcement

When Broncos fans saw this game announced, there might have been some early excitement. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who tore his ACL late last season, won't be available for this game, right? Don't bet on that.

In fact, it's more likely that Mahomes, being the competitor that he is, will make sure he's ready to go in Week 1. In addition, the league likely has a good idea of what will happen as well, or the Chiefs likely wouldn't have been put in that spot.

This game will be played in Arrowhead, traditionally one of the most difficult places for the Broncos to play. Last year on Christmas night, the Broncos struggled against the Chiefs' third-string quarterback and only won the game by one score.

The Chiefs had been on a dominant run. They had won the AFC West title nine years in a row. They had played in the AFC Championship Game seven years in a row prior to this past season, while reaching the Super Bowl five times during that time span.

It was a dynasty. It was the best team in the NFL. Last season, that was all completely blown apart by inconsistent play, aging players and finally, the devastating injury to Mahomes. The Chiefs licked their wounds in disbelief and when the smoke cleared, the team that was standing was the Broncos.

Kansas City will be up for this game. The stadium will be rocking and Mahomes, Andy Reid and everyone else associated with the Chiefs will be eager to announce to the league that they aren't close to done yet.

Broncos have already seen enough from one undrafted rookie

The Broncos could not have asked for a bigger test to start the season. Though it will only be Week 1, it's an early-season heavyweight fight that could go a long way in determining how the season shakes out on the AFC side.

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