David and Spotty break down the Denver Broncos' 2026 season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. They dive into the Chiefs' offensive question marks — Patrick Mahomes' knee, an undrafted rookie at left tackle, and a thin receiving corps — and why the Broncos' pass rush with Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen could feast. On the other side, they discuss Bo Nix's history of playing his best against Kansas City, how new offensive coordinator Davis Webb might deploy Jalen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and the run game, and what to expect from Sean Payton's offense in Week 1. Both hosts pick the Broncos to win, with score predictions of 27-13 and 20-13.
Segment 1: Chiefs Offense vs Broncos Defense (00:00 - 16:33)
- Broncos open the 2026 season on Monday Night Football in Kansas City
- Patrick Mahomes returning from a knee injury with a bulky brace — no reporting out of KC on his condition
- Chiefs starting undrafted rookie Khalil Benson at left tackle; Jaylon Moore moved to right tackle
- Broncos pass rush without Jonathon Cooper (commissioner's exempt list, ~6 games) and JFM (free agency departure)
- Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen still headline a deep rotation — Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai'vion Jones, Tyler Onyedim
- Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker: boom-or-bust runner, but who's the answer in third and long?
- Rashee Rice not looking fast or explosive in training camp after offseason injury rehab
- Travis Kelce getting older; Xavier Worthy and Cyrus Allen as unproven weapons
- Broncos secondary: Pat Surtain, Riley Moss (full go, not on injury report), Brandon Jones, Talanoa Hufanga, Ja'Quan McMillian
- Inside linebacker position: Broncos prioritize front four and secondary over LB — and it works
- Surtain (9th highest paid CB), Moss, and McMillian all in contract years with chips on their shoulders
- Vance Joseph has held the Chiefs under 12 points per game over the last couple seasons
Segment 2: Plugging the Pluggables (16:33 - 18:16)
- 11th season of Bourbon, Broncos & No B.S. coverage
- Find us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, and anywhere you get podcasts
- BroncosAndBourbon.com — lifetime subscription for $1, exclusive articles and content
- Show schedule:
- Mondays (non-MNF weeks): Postgame Podcast Live @ 8 PM MT
- Tuesdays: Bourbon, Broncos & No B.S. Live @ 7 PM MT
- Gamedays: Tailgate Talk Live @ 1 hour before kickoff
- Halftime: Halftime Hash — the original live halftime show
Segment 3: Broncos Offense vs Chiefs Defense (18:16 - 34:27)
- Steve Spagnuolo noted Bo Nix's PFF grade is highest vs the Chiefs of any opponent
- Bo Nix is a gamer — saves his best for the biggest moments (Bills playoff game)
- Contrast with Drake Maye, who has struggled in biggest moments (Super Bowl, 3-INT opener vs Seahawks)
- Davis Webb's first game as offensive coordinator — expect an aggressive game plan
- Jalen Waddle brings intermediate and deep threat; can he help Bo's slant timing?
- Chiefs secondary: rookie over Mansoor Delane, L'Jarius Sneed back from Tennessee, S Jamari Conner may not play
- Receiving corps: Waddle, Sutton, Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin (number four), Evan Engram — deepest in years
- Ronald Curry brought in as new WR coach to address drops
- Run game: heavy dose of JK Dobbins, Jonah Coleman (limited snaps), RJ Harvey (outside runs)
- Ben Powers back from injury strengthens the run-blocking offensive line
- Chiefs DT Chris Jones limited with calf injury; rookie DT Peter Woods could see time
- Chiefs LB corps: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bosa — one of the best in the league
- Spagnuolo will challenge Bo's ankle mobility — "take a shot every time they mention Bo's ankle, you'll be hammered by halftime"
Segment 4: Score Predictions (34:27 - 36:20)
- David: Broncos 27, Chiefs 13
- Spotty: Broncos 20, Chiefs 13
- Both picking the Broncos — and they know what happens when they both do that
Links & Resources
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