Week 1 of the new NFL season throws up an intriguing AFC West showdown, as the Kansas City Chiefs welcome rivals the Denver Broncos to Arrowhead Stadium in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Chiefs have been one of the dominant forces in the National Football League over recent years but last season Andy Reid’s side underwhelmed due to the loss of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes to injury, as they finished with a 6-11 campaign.

As for the Broncos, they were one of the surprise packages of last season, finishing top of the AFC thanks to a 14-3 record.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has also worked his way back from injury and an exciting head-to-head with Mahomes is on the cards in this one at Arrowhead Stadium.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos Tips

  • Denver Broncos to win @ 11/10 
  • Bo Nix - Over 14.5 rushing yards @ 4/5 
  • Jaylen Waddle anytime touchdown @ 9/5 

Chiefs not the best starters of late

Having previously been fast starters in Week 1, the Chiefs seem to have lost their way in the last few seasons in their opening fixtures.

Having been beaten in their season opener against the Detroit Lions in 2023, the Chiefs also lost their first game of the season in 2025 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

When it comes to this particular fixture, the Chiefs managed to win 16 games on the bounce against the Broncos between 2015 and 2023.

However, the tables have turned of late, with the Broncos winning four of their last five meetings with the Chiefs, including three straight wins for Denver heading into Tuesday’s clash in Kansas City.

Given their contrasting fortunes last season, the Chiefs’ recent wobbles in Week 1 and the Broncos’ strong record in this fixture in the last few years, Denver to win gets the nod at 11/10.

Nix to hit the ground running

Not just a throwing quarterback, Denver’s talented playmaker Bo Nix is also a threat on the ground and he can bring that element of his game to the fore on Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Looking back at his career stats, with 34 appearances in the NFL to his name, Nix has managed to run for 786 yards and has recorded nine rushing touchdowns.

Averaging 23.1 rushing yards per game, Nix to break the 14.5 rushing-yard mark appeals.

Waddle can shine on debut

Having made the switch from the Miami Dolphins to the Broncos, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will be determined to make an impact in his first NFL outing for Denver in this AFC West grudge match.

Waddle will be another strong weapon for Nix in the Broncos’ offence and, having scored six touchdowns for a Dolphins side who struggled with a 7-10 losing record last season, the 27-year-old is good value in the anytime touchdown markets for this one.

All odds correct at time of writing.

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