# Kenneth Walker's dominant Chiefs debut earns weekly honor

> The running back delivered 173 yards and two touchdowns in his first game with Kansas City.
- Title: Kenneth Walker's dominant Chiefs debut earns weekly honor
- Summary: The running back delivered 173 yards and two touchdowns in his first game with Kansas City. Kenneth Walker III proved his three-year, $43 million free-agent…
- Keywords: kenneth walker iii, kansas city chiefs, nfl, running back, afc offensive player of the week, 2026 season, denver broncos, patrick mahomes, andy reid, seattle seahawks, free agent signing, Kenneth
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/nfl/nfl-recognizes-kenneth-walkers-kansas-city-debut-with-announcement-12451018
- Author: Matt Audilet
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kenneth walker iii, kansas city chiefs, nfl, running back, afc offensive player of the week, 2026 season, denver broncos, patrick mahomes, andy reid, seattle seahawks, free agent signing
## Walker dominates in Chiefs debut
Kenneth Walker III rushed for 173 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in his first game with Kansas City, also catching three passes for 18 yards and another score.

> He did a really nice job. For him to play the way he did I thought was spectacular.
## Chiefs crush Broncos to open season
Kansas City defeated Denver 31-10 at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night to start the 2026 season with a dominant win.
## Walker earns AFC Player of the Week
The NFL recognized Walker's outstanding performance by naming him AFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday.
## Big investment pays off immediately
The Chiefs signed Walker to a three-year, $43.05 million free-agent deal before the season, and he delivered right away with a game that showed why he was worth the investment.
## Next up: Colts on Sunday night
Walker and the Chiefs will face the Indianapolis Colts in their next matchup on Sunday night.
## Key takeaway

Kenneth Walker III proved his three-year, $43 million free-agent signing was worth it by dominating in his Chiefs debut and earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week.