Chiefs vs. Broncos: A slight Kansas City lean on Monday Night Football

Monday night football is upon us, putting a bow on an electric six straight days of football. This game is going to be close, seemingly always a guarantee when two Super Bowl-winning coaches face off. When these two faced off last year, the Broncos swept the two divisional games, but much is different with these two teams this go ’round. Mahomes and Nix are both making their grand return from injury with new OCs.

Kansas City

Eric Bieniemy has returned to Kansas City after a head coach stop at UCLA and spending last season with the Bears as the running backs coach. Among other missing pieces, Bieniemy was a key to the prolific Chiefs offense that everyone feared, so tonight we will see what they look like. Mahomes has also been without consistent weapons since the departure of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce slowly losing his battle with Father Time.

Tonight the Chiefs bring out Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and running back Kenneth Walker from Seattle. The former Seahawks running back will be a major key to making this offense tick. If this guy stays healthy, he will be the best pure running back that Mahomes has ever played with.

On defense, the player to watch is rookie Mansoor Delane. The Chiefs had some departures that they will need Delane to fill in for. I’m sure Spags will coordinate their defensive plan in a brilliant manner as always.

Denver

The Broncos have a less lengthy offseason to discuss. They have the highest level of player continuity in the entire NFL. Sean Payton liked his roster and made sure to bring it back.

On defense, they will still be dominant. Nik Bonitto returns along with his 14-sack number from last season. That pressure may be the deciding factor in the game tonight, as the Chiefs will likely be using a patchwork offensive line and tight ends attempting to corral him. Pair the vicious pass rush with the deepest and most talented secondary in the NFL this season; Mahomes has his work cut out for him.

On offense, the Broncos have elevated QBs coach Davis Webb to the role of offensive coordinator. This will probably follow the theme of continuity, but it is something to note certainly. The difference maker to watch on Denver’s side is new addition Jaylen Waddle: how heavily do they intend to involve him, and what does he open up for Courtland Sutton?

The pick

I slightly lean the Chiefs to win this game being at home. Regardless, we are in for an incredibly competitive divisional matchup between two all-time coaches, in a game that will have playoff implications.