Why you should sit Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker in fantasy football Week 1

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is expected to make his first Chiefs start this week against the Denver Broncos on 'Monday Night Football.'

Fresh off Super Bowl MVP honors, Walker comes into the 2026 season with high expectations. Kansas City signed the 25-year-old running back this offseason in an effort to alleviate some pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes , who is still recovering from last season's brutal knee injury.

Walker will aim for a fast start as he plays in front of the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time.

Why you need to sit RB Kenneth Walker III in Week 1 vs Broncos

Despite the fact that Walker currently occupies the flex spot in my starting lineup, I don't have a great feeling about his ability to produce on Monday. Though I do expect the former Seattle Seahawk to have another impressive season, he will likely struggle against the Broncos. Denver had the second-best run defense in the league last year and will do everything it can to force the Chiefs' offense into a one-dimensional attack. I think Walker will be serviceable at best against the Broncos.

RB Kenneth Walker vs Broncos stat predictions in Week 1

Walker could very easily have a monster game on Monday. Denver finished the 2025 season with one of the league's top defenses, but that doesn't guarantee they will repeat their success. If Walker can find early opportunities, he just might carry his team to victory. That being said, I don't see the reigning Super Bowl MVP having a highly productive game this week. The Broncos are out for blood and will pull out all the stops to take down the Chiefs at Arrowhead.

I expect Walker to rush for fewer than 75 yards and score one touchdown at most.

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