The Kansas City Chiefs opened the season with a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday night, getting a strong performance from newly signed running back Kenneth Walker III while quarterback Patrick Mahomes returned from a surgically repaired left knee.
Walker rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in his Chiefs debut, giving Kansas City its highest single-game rushing total from one player since Jamaal Charles ran for 226 yards against Indianapolis in 2012. Walker also caught three passes for 18 yards.
Mahomes played the entire game while wearing a brace on his left knee and finished with 184 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He also rushed for a 15-yard touchdown on Kansas City’s opening possession. Mahomes connected with Rashee Rice for a touchdown late in the first half, then Travis Kelce helped set up a Harrison Butker field goal with a 59-yard reception.
The Chiefs led 14-7 at halftime before Walker broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-1 play early in the third quarter.
Kansas City’s defense also played a major role in the victory, limiting Denver to 176 total yards
