The Chiefs gave Mahomes, Kelce and several other starters a break against the Broncos

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 have secured a playoff bye as the AFC’s top seed. That’s why coach Andy Reid announced that backup Carson Wentz will be under center in place of Mahomes and that a number of other players will miss the game against the Broncos (9-7). Also on the Chiefs’ inactive list are running back Isiah Pacheco, cornerback Trent McDuffie and tackle Jawaan Taylor.

Everything is on the line for the Broncos. Denver needs a win to make the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 in the 2015 season.

Denver’s inactives include running back Blake Watson, linebacker Levelle Bailey, tackle Frank Crum and defensive linemen Matt Henningsen and Eyioma Uwazurike. Zach Wilson is the emergency third-string quarterback.

The Broncos have lost two games in a row, although a win or a draw would have secured them a playoff spot. A trip to Buffalo next week would be Denver’s reward for making the playoffs.

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Originally published: January 5, 2025 at 1:27 pm MST

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The Chiefs gave Mahomes, Kelce and several other starters a break against the Broncos

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