The Kansas City Chiefs open the 2026 NFL season in two weeks when they host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
A win over their AFC West rivals would help the Chiefs bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 record last year. Denver swept the season series in 2025, the first time that had happened since 2014.
Tight end Travis Kelce is returning for his 14th NFL season. The 36-year-old did not want his career to end on last year’s sour note and still has a strong desire to keep playing.
Kelce is expected to remain a key part of the Chiefs’ passing game this season.He could make an early statement in the opener. ESPN’s Nate Taylor recently noted that Kelce has a real chance to pass former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten for the second-most receiving yards by a tight end in NFL history.
“Entering this season, Kelce has 13,002 receiving yards. All he needs is 45 yards to surpass Jason Witten for the second most by a tight end in NFL history. Fans can expect Kelce to reach this next accomplishment in the Chiefs’ season opener against the Broncos, a rival he has tormented throughout his Hall of Fame-worthy career,” Taylor wrote.
“Mahomes, who is expected to be ready for Week 1 after knee surgery, has always made Kelce his go-to pass catcher on third down. It’s possible Kelce passes Witten on a third down before the ‘Monday Night Football’ halftime show.”
Some of Kelce’s strongest games have come against Denver. Last season he had a season-high nine catches in a Week 10 meeting with the Broncos.
He has topped 100 receiving yards six times in his career against Denver. That includes a standout 2016 performance of 11 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown.
ESPN’s latest power rankings placed the Chiefs at No. 12. The Broncos ranked much higher at No. 4 after reaching the AFC Championship game a year ago.
Kansas City still sits ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 14 and the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 27.
The AFC West should be competitive among Denver, Los Angeles and Kansas City in 2026. The Raiders are not expected to contend for the playoffs but could show improvement over last season.
The Chiefs play Las Vegas in Week 4. They then face the Chargers in Week 6 after their bye.
Kelce’s history against the Broncos and his proximity to the receiving-yardage milestone give the opener extra meaning for Kansas City fans.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to be available after knee surgery and has long relied on Kelce in critical situations.
The veteran tight end’s presence remains a central piece of the Chiefs’ offense as they look to rebound in 2026.
