ESPN Taps Chiefs-Broncos for ‘MNF’ Opener: Will Mahomes Play?

“From a league standpoint, I think there would be some concern whether our quarterback will be ready to go,” Hunt said then. “My guess is the league won’t want to take that risk.”

Now, Kansas City will still be part of a high-profile Week 1 game, albeit five days later than when the Sept. 9 kickoff game is happening.

The Broncos, meanwhile, are an up-and-coming franchise after reaching last season’s AFC Championship game to culminate a 14-win campaign, the team’s best run since reaching Super Bowl XLVIII in early 2014.

Kickoff Watching

The placement of the Chiefs in this game further winnows the field of potential opponents for the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks in that kickoff game.

Five of the nine home opponents for Seattle this season—the Chiefs, Cowboys, Giants, Rams, and 49ers—are now allocated to other Week 1 games. That leaves the Bears, Cardinals, Chargers, and Patriots as the remaining possibilities.

That kickoff broadcast will be one of the key elements of the full schedule release on Thursday.

Disney will also hold its upfront presentation to advertisers Tuesday afternoon in New York, with MNF and its upcoming coverage of Super Bowl LXI in Los Angeles set to be central elements.

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