NFL15 Sept 20262 minute read

Kenneth Walker III Shines in Chiefs Debut as Kansas City Beats Broncos 31-10

Kenneth Walker III scored two touchdowns and gained 191 all purpose yards to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Walker dominates in Chiefs debut

The Kansas City Chiefs got exactly what they wanted on Monday night. Running back Kenneth Walker III made a massive impact in his team debut, helping the Chiefs secure a 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos.

Walker, who joined the Chiefs in March, finished the night with 191 all purpose yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 173 yards, including a spectacular 60 yard touchdown run on fourth and inches early in the third quarter. Walker became just the third player with at least 100 rushing yards in his Chiefs debut since 2000. His performance took a lot of pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who was playing in his first game since undergoing knee surgery nine months ago.

Mahomes showed he is recovering well, opening the game with a 15 yard rushing touchdown. Next Gen Stats recorded his top speed on the play at 15.8 mph, which was 2.5 mph faster than his average rushing speed last season. Mahomes finished the game with 184 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Broncos offense struggles

It was a rough night for the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Bo Nix struggled in his return from ankle surgeries. Nix threw an interception on Denver's opening drive and fumbled three times, losing one. The Chiefs defense sacked Nix four times.

Denver's offseason addition, receiver Jaylen Waddle, was kept quiet. He finished with just one catch for 2 yards. The Broncos running game also failed to get going, as they ran the ball only 12 times. J.K. Dobbins had just three carries in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City defense dominated. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane intercepted Nix to set up the first Chiefs touchdown. Defensive end R Mason Thomas recorded a sack, and cornerback Nohl Williams held Courtland Sutton to just 11 yards on two catches.

What it means for the next game

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos (NFL, Sun, 20 Sep): Denver Broncos win 54%, Jacksonville Jaguars win 46%; projected score Denver Broncos 23, Jacksonville Jaguars 21. Our safest pick: Over 37.5 points.

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs (NFL, Mon, 21 Sep): Kansas City Chiefs win 72%, Indianapolis Colts win 28%; projected score Kansas City Chiefs 26, Indianapolis Colts 20. Our safest pick: Chiefs to win.