KANSAS CITY, MO — Kenneth Walker III ran for 173 yards and scored two touchdowns in his Kansas City debut, while Patrick Mahomes threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos 31-10 on Monday night.
Kansas City snapped a three-game losing streak against Denver after the Broncos ended the Chiefs' nine-year run as AFC West champions last season.
After an offseason full of speculation about whether Mahomes would even be ready nine months after he suffered the injury against the Los Angeles Chargers. He did not even look uncomfortable on the surgically repaired left knee as Mahomes finished Kansas City's opening possession with a 15-yard touchdown run.
He threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns while adding that rushing score.
Walker carried the ball 23 times, producing the most rushing yards by a Chiefs player since Jamaal Charles ran for 226 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in 2012. Walker also caught three passes for 18 yards.
Bo Nix threw for 131 yards with an interception and lost a fumble as the Broncos finished with 176 total yards. Evan Engram led Denver with four catches for 43 yards and the Broncos' only touchdown.
Walker handled much of the work on the ground, rushing 14 times for 89 yards in the first half.
Denver tied the game after Mahomes' opening-drive touchdown, when Nix connected with Engram for a 19-yard touchdown, but Kansas City responded with a 10-play, 80-yard drive late in the second quarter. Mahomes found Rashee Rice for a touchdown to give the Chiefs a 14-7 halftime lead.
Walker delivered the game's biggest play early in the third quarter. Facing fourth-and-1, Walker broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run to extend Kansas City's advantage to 21-7.
Denver answered after Brandon Jones intercepted Mahomes deep in Kansas City territory. Wil Lutz converted a short field goal to cut into the deficit.
Mahomes responded by connecting with Travis Kelce for 59 yards, setting up a Harrison Butker field goal.
Nix then lost a fumble on Denver's ensuing possession, giving Kansas City another opportunity to put the game away. The Broncos never threatened again.
Kansas City claimed victory, 31-10.
The Broncos will play their home opener against Jacksonville on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.
Kansas City will remain at home to face Indianapolis on Sunday Night Football.
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