The Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the 2026 season with an AFC West matchup against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14. While quarterback Bo Nix's return remains unconfirmed, the Broncos will have others to test Kansas.

Yesterday, podcast hosts Chris Clark and analyst Ryan Tracy suggested on the Locked on Chiefs podcast that Andy Reid’s side might face difficulties as the Broncos have added Jaylen Waddle as their new weapon.

"When this kid was in the draft, it was very, very well timed, and I told you at the time he could be the next Tyreek Hill," Ryan said on the podcast. "Because of the way that he runs, he has proven himself as a teammate of Tyreek Hills to be invaluable. Now, he'll have a chance to be really that, I think, the X-factor in their offense."

The big addition during Denver’s offseason was the arrival of wide receiver Jalen Waddle. The blockbuster move also showed just how highly the Denver Broncos value Jaylen Waddle.

To bring the former Miami Dolphins star to Denver, the Broncos gave up their 2026 first-round pick (No. 30 overall) alongside third- and fourth-round selections, while receiving Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick in return.

The Broncos already have a good offensive lineup in the likes of Troy Franklin and Courtland Sutton. Waddle’s arrival has added another explosive option to Denver’s offence.  

Waddle has delivered steady production ever since entering the league in 2021, crossing the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. Since then, the receiver has never fallen below 700 yards in a season.

Even during his lowest touchdown campaign, Waddle still managed two scores across 15 games.

On the other hand, Andy Reid’s Chiefs could also face pressure early in the season as Patrick Mahomes is also returning from injury, although reports suggest he should be available for the opener, his performance back from an ACL injury would be interesting to see.

Denver’s attacking depth may grab the headlines, but analysts believe the bigger question in Week 1 could come down to defense. 

Chiefs Offense Faces Early Test Against Denver

While the focus will shift towards Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix, the bigger battle in Week 1 could come down to defense.

Kansas City, meanwhile, will need quick answers from a defense that lost important pieces in the offseason.

“For week one against the defense of the Broncos, it's going to be about running to the gap between their nose and their five-tech that isn't Zach Allen. That's where the money's going to get made,” Ryan Tracy said on the podcast.

In his seventh NFL year in 2025, lineman Allen earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

“Maybe they make another acquisition before we're on the field for that game. But right now, that's looking like you have to send Walker in that gap on that side of the ball,” he added.

Tracy referred to linemen to create running lanes for former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, while also pointing towards Zach Allen as Denver’s biggest defensive threat up front.

Denver retains some defensive names such as Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, and Jonathan Cooper. The Broncos’ defensive structure has been fairly unchanged entering the 2026 season.

Who do you think will win the Week 1 AFC West clash? Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote