The Kansas City Chiefs have finally announced if Patrick Mahomes and other starters will suit up against the Denver Broncos in the final game of the season.
More news: Eagles' Saquon Barkley to Miss Out on Rushing Record, Will Be Rested For Week 18
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says it wasn't a hard decision to rest guys this week, knowing that they'll have nearly 25 days of rest: "I've been through it before. I'm not too worried about all that. Gives the other guys an opportunity to grow. We'll use everybody."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 1, 2025Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke to reporters and revealed that it wasn't a "hard decision" to rest the starters in the final game of the season. He also announced that Carson Wentz will get the start against the Broncos.
The decision to rest Mahomes and the starters is a smart one, especially considering the Chiefs have nothing left to play for. They have secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC and will get a first-round bye and home-field advantage.
Now, the Chiefs get a chance to see what the backup players can do in a more expanded role. Reid also commented on this, stating that he will treat Week 18 as another "preseason" game to see what other players on the roster can do in their starting roles.
#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on treating this week like a preseason game: "You get two elevations, that's all. The roster is small, and you've got to play guys."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 1, 2025Reid did state the benefit of keeping the starters out there, simply because they can stay "sharp" and ready to go when they take the field in the playoffs. However, that will not be the case after all.
Mahomes and the starters will be getting two weeks off compared to the one if they played in the final game of the season. This is also a chance for the Chiefs to get back some star players that are currently injured. One such player is Isiah Pacheco, who Reid stated is close to returning.
Pacheco broke his leg at the beginning of the season, which led to his being sidelined for most of the season. He then suffered a rib injury that kept him out of action again. However, Reid indicated he should be healed enough for the playoffs.
More news: Colts' Anthony Richardson Reveals He Was Unable to Walk Due to Severe Injury
The Chiefs are aiming to be the first team in NFL history to secure a third consecutive Super Bowl win, and they have shown how far away they are from everyone else in terms of competing for that goal. Despite multiple games being decided by one score, the Chiefs continue to find ways to win.
Now, they will get plenty of rest to prepare to face teams like the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and more. With a completely rested squad, the Chiefs might be the team to beat in the playoffs once again.
For more on the Chiefs, head to Newsweek Sports.
:quality(85):upscale()/2024/04/24/878/n/3019466/36c5693c662965c5d1ce91.72473705_.jpg)
English (US) ·