Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, September 14, 2026, 8:15 PM ET
Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Network: ABC
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1
The Chiefs held opposing offenses to the ninth-fewest total yards, eighth-fewest passing yards, and fifth-fewest passing touchdowns. I’ve come around and quite like Bo Nix from a season-long aspect, but I’m avoiding him in 1QB leagues for Week 1.
Running Back
J.K. Dobbins: FLEX, RB3
RJ Harvey: FLEX, RB3
Jonah Coleman: FLEX, RB3
Kansas City was a tough matchup for opposing running backs in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest points and touchdowns to the position. I worry this backfield is going to be a huge headache until someone goes down with an injury (if they do, I’m not wishing that on anybody), but they all live in FLEX-ville until things clear up a bit. J.K. Dobbins is probably the guy you want to start for the time being if you must roll out someone from this backfield.
Wide Receiver
Jaylen Waddle: START, WR2
Courtland Sutton: FLEX, WR4
Pat Bryant: SIT
Troy Franklin: SIT
The Chiefs held opposing receivers to 22.3 points per game last season, middle of the pack, but kept them out of the end zone. Kansas City allowed just 10 touchdowns to WR’s, limiting the upside of Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton in a projected low-scoring game.
Tight End
Adam Trautman: SIT
Defense/Special Teams
Denver Broncos: START
Top three in yards and points allowed per game in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes: START (in Superflex), Borderline QB1
It looks as if Patrick Mahomes will wind up starting Week 1, but that doesn’t mean he should be in your starting lineup. In his first game back after tearing his ACL last season, Mahomes looks like he’ll be without starting left tackle Josh Simmons while facing the ferocious Broncos pass defense. You’re probably still starting him in Superflex, but I’m avoiding him in 1QB if possible.
Running Back
Kenneth Walker: START, RB2
Emmett Johnson: SIT
Brashard Smith: SIT
You know how much I love me some Kenneth Walker. But the Broncos were the worst matchup for opposing running backs last season despite allowing 14 touchdowns to the position. You still probably aren’t benching your second- or third-round pick, but temper expectations in the season opener.
Wide Receiver
Rashee Rice: START, WR2
Xavier Worthy: FLEX, WR4
Tyquan Thornton: SIT
Denver allowed the second-fewest points to the position, Rashee Rice hasn’t looked great in camp, and Mahomes is playing for the first time since tearing his ACL. Knock Rice and Xavier Worthy down a peg or two.
Tight End
Travis Kelce: START, TE1
The dude marries Taylor Swift and still comes back for another season? Yeah, you’re starting him.
Defense/Special Teams
Kansas City Chiefs: SIT
The Chiefs defense isn’t on the fantasy radar.