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Mahomes Returns, Chiefs Beat Broncos 31-10 as Kenneth Walker Rushes for 173 Yards

The outing delivered an early payoff for Kansas City’s offseason shift toward a physical, run-first attack and showcased Andy Reid’s inventive play-calling.

Overview

  • Patrick Mahomes made his first start since tearing his ACL and LCL and accounted for three touchdowns in Monday night’s 31-10 season-opening win over the Denver Broncos.
  • Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards and scored twice, finishing with 191 yards from scrimmage in his Chiefs debut after signing a three-year, $43.05 million deal.
  • Andy Reid used a vintage 1936 trick-play package that he says was sent to him by ESPN’s Chris Berman, a design that featured Justin Fields as a decoy and set up a Walker touchdown.
  • With left tackle Josh Simmons unavailable, undrafted rookie Khalil Benson started on the blind side and allowed one pressure in 32 pass-blocking snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.
  • The win also marked Andy Reid’s 150th Chiefs regular-season victory and GM Brett Veach’s 200th career win, but analysts caution it is only one game and say roster health and run-game consistency will determine if the revival holds.