The Chiefs won’t start the 2026 season at full strength. Is that a problem?

A new season for the Chiefs has arrived. The season opener against the Denver Broncos is set for “Monday Night Football” at Arrowhead Stadium, and get ready for Patrick Mahomes’ first game since suffering a knee injury late last season.

For the first time in a decade, the Chiefs aren’t coming off a playoff year, but the season is full of promise, if not a clean bill of health. Tackle Josh Simmons and safety Chamarri Conner are likely to miss the opener.

On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR, beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian describe what they expect from the Chiefs in the opening game and this season.

Also, I tell you what’s on my radar in Kansas City sports this week, starting with a college football rivalry with deep roots.

SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.