Chiefs Resting Starters vs. Broncos Not A 'Hard Decision'?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 11:20 AM ET

One of the biggest decisions for the Kansas City Chiefs in the lead-up to facing the Denver Broncos in Week 18 was who would and wouldn't play.

With the Chiefs locking up the No. 1 seed in the AFC after their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, it means that the Broncos game is meaningless, given that a win or a loss won't affect their seeding.

Due to that, there is a conversation to be had about who the Chiefs can sit and who they will allow to play. Head coach Andy Reid has already stated that Carson Wentz will get the start against Denver, and it is likely that others like Travis Kelce will also be wrapped in mothballs.

"It wasn't a hard decision," Reid said on resting some starters.

But there is a worry that the starters who don't play against the Broncos won't play another meaningful game for three weeks, which will be their first playoff game.

Isn't Reid worried about rust in the first playoff game?

"I've been through that before, so I'm not too worried about all that," Reid added. "It just gives the other guys an opportunity here to grow, and you can use everybody."

The Chiefs have set themselves up for a genuine crack at a third straight Super Bowl title, and if things go right, they won't leave Arrowhead Stadium until the NFL's penultimate game of the year.

Having a host of starters fresh and ready to attack the playoffs is nightmare fuel for the rest of the AFC, and the defending champions will be well rested, at home, and have a shot at history.

That is a tough combination to stop, but that is what will be waiting for teams in a few weeks when the postseason begins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: