Broncos open as slight underdogs to Chiefs in MNF season opener

TL;DR

The Denver Broncos open the 2026 NFL season as +2.5-point underdogs against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. The game will take place at Arrowhead Stadium, with the total set at 43.5 points.

Key points

Broncos open as +2.5-point underdogs against Chiefs
Game scheduled for Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium
Total points set at over/under 43.5

Denver BroncosKansas City ChiefsLos Angeles ChargersBaltimore Ravens

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 25: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos begin their AFC West title defense on the road. And the Broncos open the 2026 regular season against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Thus, it’s no surprise that Denver opens as slight road underdogs for the MNF opener at Arrowhead Stadium. FanDuel Sportsbook has the Broncos as +2.5-point underdogs to Kansas City. Denver is also +140 on the moneyline, and the total sits at over/under 43.5 points, with a lean toward the under at -118. Since Nix and Denver are on the road at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s no surprise the Chiefs are favored. You could get a sense of that based on the AFC West and AFC futures odds. Oddsmakers still love Mahomes and the Chiefs. KC is currently the favorite to win the division at +170, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers at +185 and the Broncos at +210. For the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens are the favorites at +490, followed by the (+500), the Chargers and Chiefs (+750), the New England Patriots (+800), the (+950), and the Broncos (+1,000). Given how early it is, it’ll be interesting to see how much the line fluctuates between now and kickoff on Monday Night Football. There are still unknowns on Mahomes and his injury, the Chiefs offensive line, and that defense. Meanwhile, Nix and the Broncos return all but one starter on offense and defense, plus they added receiver . Aside from the odds, it’s also good for Denver to get the Arrowhead trip out of the way in September rather than December. And given the questions surrounding KC, it’s going to be a helluva start to the regular season.

Q&A

What are the betting odds for the Broncos vs. Chiefs MNF opener?

The Broncos are +2.5-point underdogs and +140 on the moneyline, with the total set at over/under 43.5 points.

Who is favored to win the AFC West in 2026?

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently favored to win the AFC West at +170, followed by the Los Angeles Chargers at +185 and the Broncos at +210.

What impact does Patrick Mahomes' injury have on the Chiefs' odds?

Mahomes' injury status is a key factor that could influence the betting line and the Chiefs' performance leading up to the game.