The Kansas City Chiefs will be given no easy Week 1 win to start the 2026 NFL season. Instead of easing into it, the team will have to square off with their toughest divisional rival, taking on Sean Payton and the renowned Denver Broncos.
While Bo Nix doesn't get much credit and most people talk about the Broncos' physical defense, the harsh truth is that Denver should also be better at putting points on the board this season. Adding receiver Jaylen Waddle to the mix is no small thing.
That's why, if Steve Spagnuolo wants the defense to hold its own in the season opener, they'll have to put all the pressure on Wil Lutz. More specifically, they'll have to figure out how to force Lutz to attempt long-range field goals.
Wil Lutz's weak leg might help the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1
Lutz was absolutely elite last season from extra points and field goals from inside the 40-yard line. Overall, he went a perfect 50-for-50 in those situations. Nevertheless, he was a mediocre 7-of-11 in kicks over 40 yards.
That's especially notable given that he plays at Mile High, where the ball usually flies farther at higher altitudes. He might be using that as a crutch, but he's clearly a weak link when he has to showcase his leg strength — or lack thereof.
Of course, this will be way easier said than done, and there's no particular strategy that could help the Chiefs ensure the Broncos will attempt only long-range field goals. That said, Spagnuolo must keep his guys on a short leash and make sure they don't gamble too much on third down, even if that means giving up just a couple of yards at first.
By making sure to keep the Broncos in third-and-long situations, they can put more pressure on the kicker to lead the way. Nix can sling the football down the field, but Coach Payton has been smart to keep him on a more checkdown level basis.
Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane will get his 'welcome to the NFL moment' right out of the gate, matching up with Waddle and Courtland Sutton to prove that he's got what it takes to make it in the league. As for the defensive line, they'll have to bring their A-Game against an elite Broncos offensive line.
All things considered, it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see kickers decide the fate of this game. The Chiefs can't put Patrick Mahomes at risk as he returns from such a delicate injury, especially against one of the hardest-hitting defenses in the game. Hopefully, Harrison Butker will get the last laugh against his weak-legged colleague.
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