Patrick Mahomes marked his return from a nine-month absence following knee surgery with a touchdown on the Chiefs' opening series Monday night, but it was newcomer Kenneth Walker III who stole Kansas City's 31-10 season-opening rout of the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium.

Mahomes sprinted through the Broncos defense for a 15-yard touchdown run on Kansas City's first possession, finishing 15-of-27 passing for 184 yards, two total touchdowns and an interception, according to NFL.com. He also connected with Rashee Rice for a 13-yard touchdown catch-and-run.

Walker steals the spotlight

Walker, the Super Bowl LX MVP who left Seattle for a three-year, $45 million deal with Kansas City this offseason, ran for a career-high 173 yards and two touchdowns, including a 60-yard scoring burst, plus a two-yard touchdown catch on a trick throw from Mahomes, per the Yahoo Sports recap.

MAHOMES MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN

Taylor Swift attended her first Chiefs game since marrying Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in July, sitting alongside Tom Cruise, who was also at the wedding, according to Rolling Stone.

The win opens Kansas City's title defense on a high note, with a healthy-looking Mahomes and a two-headed backfield now on display after a wild Week 1 slate around the league that also included Arizona's upset win over the Chargers.