Chiefs’ Strategy for Final Game: To Rest or Not to Rest?
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for their final regular season game against the Denver Broncos, the big question on everyone’s mind is whether head coach Andy Reid will choose to rest his star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, along with other key players. Reid’s history suggests he might, but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest for now.
Reid, who has been at the helm of the Chiefs for several successful seasons, mentioned on Monday that he hasn’t yet decided on his lineup for the game. He plans to discuss the matter with his players before making any announcements. This decision is crucial, as the Broncos, currently standing at 9-7, are fighting for the AFC’s final wild-card berth and need a victory over the Chiefs to secure it.
Regardless of the decision, Reid emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of practice intensity. “I know that you’ve got to keep yourself relative with practices and make sure that you stay sharp,” Reid explained. “You don’t want to get too far away from it in the playoffs because everything gets a little bit faster in the playoffs every level that you go up. So, you’ve got to make sure that you [because] it’s single elimination your game’s at the peak each time you play.”
The Chiefs, boasting a 15-1 record, have already clinched the AFC’s top playoff seed and the conference’s only first-round playoff bye, thanks to their Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This means their next playoff game won’t be until January 18 or 19, leaving a potential 23 or 24-day gap between games for key players if they sit out against the Broncos.
Reid has faced a similar situation before. In 2020, he opted to rest Mahomes and other regulars for the final regular season game. The strategy paid off initially, as the Chiefs won their first two playoff games and advanced to Super Bowl LV, although they ultimately lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The recent game against the Steelers capped an intense 11-day stretch in which the Chiefs played three times. Reid acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. “I’m not recommending that you do that every year, but … I think we’ll be OK from it because of the rest that we gained here and that we also have the bye coming up where there’s a chance the guys get a day or two off,” he said.
Interestingly, the Chiefs have already faced each of the other seven teams that would be in the AFC playoffs if the season ended today, including the Broncos, whom they narrowly defeated 16-14 in Week 10. However, Reid downplayed any potential advantage this familiarity might offer. “That goes both ways, right?” he noted. “So they’ll be familiar with us, too. When you get to this level, it’s single elimination, there’s so much parity going on and you’ve got to play your best football.”
Reid’s focus remains on ensuring the team is sharp and ready for any playoff scenario. “Our main focus is on playing well and making sure we’re sharp and that we’ll dig in here on these different scenarios that go on … You’ve got a group of teams you’re going to have to look at and study. But for right now, Denver’s got our attention and so [the Broncos are] kind of where we’re at right in this minute.”
If Mahomes does sit out, Carson Wentz is set to make his first start of the season for the Chiefs at quarterback. Wentz has seen limited action this season, completing 2-of-2 passes for 20 yards in brief appearances as a backup. Reid expressed his admiration for Wentz, saying, “I’m one of his biggest fans. I liked him coming out [for the draft]. I liked what he did before he was banged up there in Philly and I liked what I saw last year from him for sure with his start with the Rams and I like what I’ve seen here …”
Reid continued, “Selfishly, I’d like to keep him, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible. He should be starting in the league somewhere. That’s what he should be doing. By his ability and the way he goes about his business, he’s so structured and disciplined that his study habits are working. All those things are just top-notch.”
- Will Reid rest Mahomes and key players?
- Broncos need a win for a wild-card berth.
- Chiefs have a 23-24 day gap before playoffs.
- Carson Wentz could start if Mahomes rests.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
