Denver Faces Off Against Chiefs’ Backups | Chiefs vs Broncos Preview

Chiefs rest starters against Broncos in crucial Week 18 matchup! Dive into this in-depth analysis of Denver’s playoff hopes as they face Kansas City’s backup squad. Steve and Sam break down why the Chiefs are resting key players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, and what it means for Denver’s postseason chances.

Get expert insights on Carson Wentz leading the Chiefs’ backup offense, betting implications with Denver favored by 10.5 points, and how this game affects other teams’ playoff scenarios. The guys also explore the NFL’s scheduling strategy of late-season division games and debate different team philosophies on resting players, comparing the Chiefs’ approach to the Lions’ recent full-strength performance.

Find out why Cincinnati fans should be worried about their playoff chances and learn how the AFC playoff picture could unfold depending on this game’s outcome. Plus, hear fascinating discussion about roster management strategies when teams clinch early and the impact on competitive balance in season finales.

Your ultimate guide to understanding the stakes, strategies, and implications of this pivotal AFC West showdown!

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15 comments

  1. And the Chiefs would much rather face Denver in the playoffs than Joe Burrow and company. No one wants to face the Bengals. I would fire Zac Taylor and bring in someone who will fix the defense, like Mike Vrabel. That of course won't happen because the Bengals never would do anything to really try to win, particularly if it cost money.

  4. I think DHop might play because he has an incentive (wrong term) on his contract. At least, I think Chiefs wouldn't prevent him from earning $500,000 if he wanted to try. Otherwise, why risk injury–or further injury–to your starters?

  6. Are people forgetting that Mahomes first game come when they rested the starters? How many players want to use this opportunity to show what they have to their teams or other teams? Especially Weintz who was at one time a starter.

  7. Chiefs coaches don't take the week off. Spags will have D ready to go. Andy will be playing to win. Those starting backup players will be motivated to play hard, especially Wentz. I could see them pulling an upset here. At the very least cover.

  10. Everybody talks about Bills and Bengals but if Bills lose, Miami has the edge over Bengals to get the playoffs, additionally Miami its playing vs Jets therefore Bengals has really small probability

  13. THE Chiefs can only rest 7 or 8 players realistically… The hurt players like Jones, Pacheco, Watson and the like… Mahomes and Kelce… I am sore Hollywood, D Hop and Worthy all see time…

    CARSON Wentz wants to be a starter again like Baker and O'Donnell… The rest of the 2nd and 3rd stringers want to move up or possibly to another team… It's the same with the defense players…

    THE Chiefs are the current Dynasty and play to win mentality… I can see it being close and the Chiefs might even win… Just My Humble Opinion based on stats and facts…

  14. This will make the 4th time, and 4th different starting quarterback, for the Chiefs resting their starters in the final week of the regular season during Patrick Mahomes' career. Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert captained the team to wins in 2017 and 2023, respectively, and Chad Henne to a loss in 2020. The difference here is the Broncos' playoff hopes are partially contingent on a win or tie, especially if the Bengals do wind up winning on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, they can't rest everybody, but I'd expect the following players not to play a single snap:

    Patrick Mahomes
    Isiah Pacheco
    Kareem Hunt
    Hollywood Brown
    Travis Kelce
    Joe Thuney
    Trey Smith
    Jawaan Taylor
    Chris Jones
    George Karlaftis
    Nick Bolton
    Justin Reid
    Trent McDuffie

    And I'd be surprised to see more than a single snap from Creed Humphrey and a few from DeAndre Hopkins if they let him pursue the touchdown element of his contract. They should probably also conserve Mike Pennel, Turk Wharton, and Charles Omenihu for the playoffs, but that would leave the defensive line a little thin for the game this Sunday.

    That being said, I think the spread proffered by Vegas is entirely unrealistic and I fully expect the Chiefs to cover if not win outright. Andy Reid typically does well game-planning for backup quarterbacks, and Steve Spagnuolo is always cooking up something new and exciting on the other side regardless of the personnel available to him.

  15. Why play this game down. Those players that the Chiefs are playing are pros. They will be putting up there best game they can.
    I'm a Broncos fan but no need to sleep on this game.

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