Chiefs and Broncos Meet Sunday

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos will play their second regular season game of the 2026 campaign on Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. The 5 1 Chiefs hosted the 5 2 Broncos in Week 1 and won that meeting 31 10. The result on Sunday will determine which team holds the division lead entering the final stretch of the season.

The Chiefs and Broncos have dominated the AFC West for sixteen seasons. The Broncos won the division from 2011 to 2015 and again last year. The Chiefs claimed nine straight titles from 2016 to 2024. Both teams have separated themselves from the Las Vegas Raiders and the winless Los Angeles Chargers this year.

The Chiefs face a tougher schedule in the second half of the season. They will play the Bills, Rams, Bengals, 49ers, and Patriots. A win on Sunday would give Kansas City a one and a half game lead. This cushion is important for securing a home playoff game. The team also wants to prove that last season was an anomaly in their run.

The Broncos have a softer schedule ahead. They will face the Raiders, Jets, Dolphins, and Chargers. A split with Kansas City would help Denver secure a playoff spot. The team needs to improve its offensive play, particularly from quarterback Bo Nix. Nix had a strong game against the Cardinals, including a 62 yard touchdown run. However, he remains 26th in quarterback rating with a 45.2 mark.

The Chiefs rely on running back Kenneth Walker III to power their offense. Walker had 23 carries for 173 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting. Right tackle Jaylon Moore and receiver Rashee Rice are expected to return after missing recent games. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the team will continue to run the ball and attack the intermediate areas if Denver plays a shell over the top.

Denver has improved its tackling since missing 19 tackles in the season opener. The team has had fewer missed tackles against the Jaguars, 49ers, and Seahawks. Linebacker Alex Singleton said the team is building on its good plays rather than just looking back at its mistakes. The Broncos have a deep secondary that has allowed them to go 7 0 in games without Pat Surtain II over the last three seasons.

Surtain is expected to play Sunday if he recovers from an ankle injury. Talanoa Hufanga is a game time decision at safety due to a right ankle issue. The Chiefs pass rush has been inconsistent. All Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones has only half a sack this season. Rookie edge Mason Thomas has one sack. The team needs to pressure Nix more effectively than in the first game.

The Chiefs have struggled with deep passes due to injuries. Tight end Travis Kelce has been the most reliable target. Rookie Cyrus Allen may see more snaps. For Denver, rookie running back Jonah Coleman is expected to get more touches. Coleman has 4.9 yards per carry and a 21.1 percent rate of runs for 10 or more yards.

Kicker Harrison Butker faces pressure after missing two field goals in the last game. The Chiefs signed veteran Justin Tucker to the practice squad on Wednesday. Head coach Andy Reid said Butker's technique is not as consistent as he wants it. An early miss could force the Chiefs to be more aggressive on fourth down.

The Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has had success against Mahomes since taking over in 2023. The Chiefs defense recorded two turnovers against Nix in the first meeting. Both teams have the ingredients to win. The winner will likely hold the division title until the schedule turns again in the final months.