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Sean Payton prepares Denver Broncos to face Patrick Mahomes in Week 1

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 1:01 PM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Sean Payton prepares Denver Broncos to face Patrick Mahomes in Week 1

Summary

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is preparing his roster for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to start in Monday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. Although Kansas City has not officially confirmed the lineup, Payton stated during a Wednesday press conference that he expects the quarterback to perform at full capacity following his December ACL injury. Mahomes has compiled a 13-2 record against Denver in his 15 career starts, throwing 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in those contests. Payton indicated he is applying a similar mental approach to this matchup as he is for Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, who is also returning from a different injury. The game is scheduled to cap the opening week of the NFL season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Patrick Mahomes is expected to start for the Kansas City Chiefs despite a December ACL injury.
•Sean Payton is preparing the Denver Broncos for a fully healthy Mahomes.
•Monday Night Football takes place at Arrowhead Stadium to conclude Week 1.
•Mahomes maintains a 13-2 career record against the Denver Broncos as a starter.

Latest Updates

1:01 PMYahoo Sports — Sean Payton expects Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (knee) to be 'at his best' in Week 1
1:56 PMYahoo Sports — Sean Payton: We're preparing for Patrick Mahomes at his best

What they're saying

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Throughout the offseason program and training camp, all indications have been that Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes would be ready to play Week 1 against the Broncos — despite suffering a torn ACL in December.
— Yahoo Sports