The Kansas City Chiefs are fortunate that they didn’t have to go more than a few games without the services of Patrick Mahomes (Knock on Wood), but it was still smart to invest in the backup quarterback position this offseason. KC signed former Philadelphia Eagles star Carson Wentz to back up Mahomes in 2024, and fans were thrilled with the signing when it happened.

While Wentz is out as a starter after looking like an MVP candidate early in his career, he gives KC the best backup they’ve had during the Mahomes era. The importance of this cannot be understated and we may find out the exact reason why in the coming weeks.

Mahomes was injured in the Chiefs’ two-touchdown win over the Cleveland Browns last weekend, leaving his status for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans in question. If the Chiefs didn’t have another game just four days after that, maybe they could go ahead and let Mahomes play, but that’s not the case. The Chiefs host the Texans on Saturday and then have a short week to travel to Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, the following Wednesday, to play the playoff-bound Steelers. That’s 3 games in 11 days.

This is when the Chiefs should use Wentz to their advantage. They signed the former second overall pick (2016) because he’s a solid backup in a situation like this, so take advantage of him.

Even if Mahomes insists he is well enough to play, this is a time when the Chiefs need to do what’s best for their starting quarterback and rest him for at least one game. KC has a two-game lead over the Buffalo Bills as the number one seed. While Buffalo has a much easier schedule, the Chiefs can put themselves in a better position to win the game with a win this weekend.

Wentz has appeared in just two games this season and threw his only passes during his brief appearance on Sunday. He completed both attempts for 20 yards, helping Kansas City maintain a two-touchdown lead. Wentz is fully capable of running the offense for a game or two if needed.

Also, keep in mind that Mahomes hasn’t been himself this year. The lack of protection is probably a big reason for this. Therefore, sitting him out at least one game while he rests his ankle wouldn’t be a move Chiefs fans would criticize. If Wentz performs well in relief, the Chiefs could also use Mahomes for the Christmas game (plus, it would be a bit funny to let Netflix exclusively broadcast the game by not allowing Mahomes to play).

The fact is, Mahomes has been banged up and if he’s out week to week, why not give him a game off and let Wentz do what he was signed to do? Of course, it could end badly, but it could also be a season-saving move for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking to make it a three-peat.