Kansas City Chiefs make huge Patrick Mahomes decision ahead of Week 18 finale against the Broncos
With the number one seed in the AFC playoffs completely locked up for the Kansas City Chiefs, the team has made a number of personnel decisions to ensure the safety of its players.
That includes the move to bench starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes for Kansas City’s final game of the regular season against the Denver Broncos.
In his place, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that backup quarterback Carson Wentz will get the start.
While other moves have not yet been announced, it is likely that other key Kansas City starters, such as pass rusher Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce, could also be on the bench.
This match has no significance for the 15-1 Chiefs – who have already secured a bye into the AFC Divisional round taking place on the weekend of January 18.
However, that doesn’t mean the game isn’t important to the overall picture of the AFC playoffs.
The Kansas City Chiefs will bench Patrick Mahomes for Sunday’s Week 18 game
Carson Wentz gets the start against Denver because KC has already clinched the No. 1 spot
The Broncos (9-7) are clinging to the last spot in the playoffs – the seven seed – and will likely need a win to seal their entry into the NFL postseason.
If they don’t win the match against KC, their fate is out of their hands and a spot could go to one of the other two teams currently at 8-8.
The Cincinnati Bengals play the 10-6 Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night and are in position to make the playoffs if they win or if Denver loses.
But if Cincinnati and Denver both lose, the door will swing open for the Miami Dolphins to claim the final playoff spot if they manage to beat the New York Jets.
If all three teams lose, Denver will reach the postseason via tiebreakers.
Whoever secures the seven seed will face a trip to Orchard Park, New York to take on the Buffalo Bills – who have locked the two seeds in the AFC playoffs.
As for the NFC, all playoff teams have been confirmed with the exception of the NFC South division, where either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Atlanta Falcons will make the postseason.