As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs will rest key starters when they face the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
With the No. 1 seed already clinched in the AFC, Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that key starters including quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play against the Broncos in Week 18.
That means Carson Wentz will start in Denver.
Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked about the possibility of the Chiefs resting starters during his Monday conference call.
“I don’t know that it changes the game plan because the scheme is still the same,” Payton said. “I think you have to approach it like you’re seeing starters at these positions. Obviously, NFL rosters are — it’s not like you have a college roster. I’ve been in this position before on the other side of it.
“I think you’re looking at the scheme relative to the game plan, and then planning on seeing the player that you’re watching on film. If someone else is in that spot, then so be it.”
Carson Wentz, as expected, will start Sunday in Denver.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 1, 2025
Wentz has a 47-45-1 win-loss-tie career record in the NFL. He started one game (a win) for the Los Angeles Rams last season and went 2-5 with the Washington Commanders in 2022.
With KC resting starters, Denver is listed as a nine-point favorite at home. The Broncos can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win or tie.
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