The Kansas City Chiefs rest Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and several other starters against Denver in Sunday’s regular-season finale with nothing at stake.
The Chiefs are 15-1 and clinched a playoff bye as the AFC’s top seed. That’s why coach Andy Reid announced that backup Carson Wentz will be at center in place of Mahomes and that a host of other players will be absent against the Broncos (9-7). The inactive list for the Chiefs also includes running back Isiah Pacheco, cornerback Trent McDuffie and tackle Jawaan Taylor.
For the Broncos, everything is on the line. Denver needs a win to make the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.
Denver’s inactives are running back Blake Watson, linebacker Levelle Bailey, tackle Frank Crum and defensive linemen Matt Henningsen and Eyioma Uwazurike. Zach Wilson is the third-string emergency quarterback.
The Broncos have lost two straight games when a win or tie would have assured them a playoff spot. A trip to Buffalo next week would be Denver’s reward for making the playoffs.
Want more Broncos news? Subscribe to the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
Originally published:
denverpost
