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NFL Week 1 red flags vs. green flags: biggest causes for concern & optimism feat. Sheil Kapadia

The Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 campaign with a commanding 31-10 triumph over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Patrick Mahomes made his return from an injury to guide the Chiefs, who had missed the postseason the previous year after a decade-long streak.

Meanwhile, Denver stumbled out of the gate after having advanced to the AFC Championship Game last season, generating under 200 total offensive yards in Davis Webb's initial outing directing plays.

The lopsided divisional defeat quickly drew intense scrutiny toward quarterback Bo Nix following the offense's lethargic showing. Elsewhere across the league's opening week, the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens posted impressive showings, whereas the Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, and New England Patriots stumbled out of the gate.