There isn't any overstating just how big the Kansas City Chiefs Week 1 matchup is versus the Denver Broncos on a primetime Monday Night Football stage. Stumbling out of the gate would give an already cocky Denver team a level of belief in their defense of last season's AFC West division title that could be difficult to overcome. On the flip side, if the Chiefs can put this game away, there is a great chance the Chiefs could get off to a hot 4-0 start before their early Week 5 bye.
The defining story of the game, and perhaps the entirety of the NFL season, will be Patrick Mahomes and how he looks and plays coming off an ACL tear. Let's not forget also that the Broncos' own signal-caller, Bo Nix, is coming off a major ankle injury of his own. Neither starter has had anything close to a normal offseason. Each also has to acclimate to having a new star offensive weapon, with Kenneth Walker signing with KC in free agency and Jaylen Waddle being traded to Denver.
No question, the deciding factor in this game is likely going to be which quarterback can settle in the fastest and offer their team a chance to get off to a hot start. Mahomes is clearly the favorite in this department due to his ability to defy expectations at every step of his career.
While this is a fair take, it is also just an opinion that is difficult to defend until we see both quarterbacks on the field and what they are capable of. Each injury poses different challenges, and it's hard to predict how much time the starters will need to feel comfortable or if they will come out of the gate firing.
Chiefs vs Broncos opening week matchup will be defined by QB question marks
It has been a long time since Chiefs fans have had a legitimate reason to question what production they are going to get from the quarterback position. While expectations remain high, it is understandable to have a level of trepidation due to the severity of the injury Mahomes suffered and the incredibly quick return.
Losing to a solid Broncos team without starting left tackle Josh Simmons would be understandable, if not incredibly frustrating, as this game is vitally important to setting things right in the AFC West. For Nix, this is the first serious injury of his pro career and leaves room to question whether or not we might see Sean Payton's offense ask a bit less of the signal caller in his return to action.
Fans can easily see how both players are question marks and how the answers will determine who seizes early confidence and divisional control. For the Chiefs, the belief that the answer will fall in their favor simply comes down to the greatness of Mahomes and his otherworldly ability and will to win.
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