MNF We’ll Smash and Cover with Huge Pinnacle
- Handicapper
- Wayne Root
- League
- NFL
- Competition
- Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Release Date
- 09/14/2026 12:50 AM
- Event Date
- 09/14/2026 08:15 PM
- Bet Type
- Point Spread
- Pick
-
Kansas City Chiefs -2.5 (-110)
(DraftKings)
- Outcome
- Win
- Analysis
- Pinnacle on Kansas City
Has Coach Reid gone defensive minded? Maybe he recognized that his offense is vulnerable with Patrick Mahomes coming off an injured knee. While the offense tanked in 2025, the Chiefs defense did their best to keep the team in contention, ranking sixth in points allowed (19.3 ppg) and 10th in total defense (301.5 ypg allowed). Kansas City remained competitive in games last year with a defense that allowed just 19.3 points per contest. The Chiefs beefed up their defensive line in an effort to free up All-Pro DT Chris Jones (7 sacks). The linebacking corps is the strength of the unit and is highlighted by sixth-year pro Nick Bolton.
The Kansas City Chiefs won nine consecutive division titles, before being dethroned by Denver a season ago. The Chiefs (6-11) slipped to a middle of the pack offensive unit and averaged a shade over 21 points per game.
Coming off 3 straight Super Bowl appearances, something wasn't quite right with the Chiefs in 2025. Across most measures, prior to injuring his knee in Week 15, QB Patrick Mahomes was having his worst season since becoming the Chiefs starter in 2018. QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in week 15 and is expected to be ready, but Kansas City acquired Justin Fields as an insurance policy. The Chiefs have an underwhelming wide receiver room and TE Travis Kelce’s best years are behind him. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker (1,027 rush yds) will be counted on heavily in his first season in Kansas City.
It's a great mystery as to what Mahomes will look like in his first game since his injury. Will he display the same mobility that's electrified fans and staggered defenses throughout his career? The great players always seem to rise to the challenge and deliver in moments like this. It's going to be a rocking home crowd on a Monday night, ready to welcome back their 3-time Super Bowl-winning QB. I can't bet against that.
