Sean Payton says Broncos preparing for Patrick Mahomes ‘at his best’

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has seen Patrick Mahomes dominate the NFL for years.

And even coming off ACL and LCL injuries late last season, Payton knows Mahomes will challenge the Broncos in Week 1.

Denver didn’t have to face the three-time Super Bowl champion in Arrowhead Stadium last season, but they’ll take on Mahomes and the Chiefs right off the bat in 2026.

The Week 1 Monday Night Football showdown is creeping closer and after Broncos practice on Wednesday, Payton was asked about how Mahomes’ status affects Denver’s preparation.

“I’m going to probably say the same for (QB) Bo (Nix), you’ve seen enough things where he’s going to be 100 percent and we’re preparing for him at his best,” Sean Payton said. 

Essentially, Payton is saying Mahomes will have no limits. While Nix had a very different injury (fractured ankle, two surgeries), both he and Mahomes are making their returns.

Payton’s hinting the Broncos trust Nix to be good to go and it’s likely the same for Mahomes and the Chiefs.

“We know how talented he is and I’m sure he’s attacked the rehab the way Bo has… that’s kind of our approach to it,” Sean Payton said. 

The Broncos won the AFC West for the first time since 2015 last season and getting off to a 1-0 start in Arrowhead would be an ideal way start the journey to repeating as champs.

But the task won’t be easy. Kansas City will be rocking with Mahomes back in the mix and the Chiefs coming off a stunningly bad 6-11 season.

For Sean Payton, it sounds like he’s expecting a tough battle against a healthy Mahomes. And the future Hall of Fame QB wants to prove last year was a fluke for him and the entire squad.

Buckle up, the Broncos opener will be here in only 12 days.

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