KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Andy Reid’s historical past suggests the Chiefs will relaxation Patrick Mahomes and as many different key gamers as potential in Sunday’s remaining regular-season sport in opposition to the Broncos in Denver.
However, Reid mentioned Monday he wasn’t able to reveal his plans for the sport till he has an opportunity to talk with gamers.
The Broncos (9-7) can clinch the AFC’s remaining wild-card berth with a victory over the Chiefs.
Whatever method the Chiefs go, Reid mentioned they might decide up the tempo in follow.
“I do know that you have to preserve your self [relevant] with practices and just remember to keep sharp, and you do not need to get too far-off from it within the playoffs as a result of every part will get a bit of bit quicker within the playoffs each stage that you simply go up,” Reid mentioned.
The 15-1 Chiefs clinched the AFC’s prime playoff seed and the convention’s solely first-round playoff bye with their Christmas Day victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since their playoff sport within the divisional spherical will not be performed till both Jan. 18 or 19, lots of the Chiefs’ key gamers may have a niche of 23 or 24 days between video games if they do not play in opposition to the Broncos.
Faced with the same state of affairs in 2020, Reid opted to relaxation Mahomes and different regulars for the ultimate regular-season sport. They received each of their first two playoff video games and superior to Super Bowl LV, the place they misplaced to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The sport in opposition to the Steelers marked the tip of an 11-day stretch through which the Chiefs performed thrice.
“I’m not recommending that you simply do this yearly, however … I believe we’ll be OK from it due to the remainder that we gained right here and that we even have the bye arising the place there’s an opportunity the fellows get a day or two off,” Reid mentioned.
The Chiefs have performed no less than one sport in opposition to every of the opposite seven groups that might be within the AFC playoffs if the season ended at present. That consists of the Broncos, who misplaced to the Chiefs 16-14 in Week 10.
Reid mentioned that would not be a bonus for the Chiefs.
“That goes each methods, proper?” he mentioned. “So they’re going to be accustomed to us, too. When you get to this stage, it is single elimination, there’s a lot parity occurring and you have to play your greatest soccer.
“Our foremost focus is on taking part in properly and ensuring we’re sharp and that we’ll dig in right here on these totally different eventualities that go on … You’ve bought a gaggle of groups you are going to have to have a look at and examine. But for proper now, Denver’s bought our consideration and so [the Broncos are] form of the place we’re at proper on this minute.”
Carson Wentz would make his first begin of the season for the Chiefs at quarterback if Mahomes does not play. Wentz has performed briefly as a backup in two video games and is 2-of-2 passing for 20 yards.
“I’m one in all his largest followers,” Reid mentioned. “I favored him popping out [for the draft]. I favored what he did earlier than he was banged up there in Philly and I favored what I noticed final 12 months from him for certain along with his begin with the Rams and I like what I’ve seen right here …
“Selfishly, I’d wish to preserve him, however I do not assume that is going to be potential. He ought to be beginning within the league someplace. That’s what he ought to be doing. By his potential and the way in which he goes about his enterprise, he is so structured and disciplined that his examine habits are working. All these issues are simply top-notch.”
Broncos coach Sean Payton mentioned Monday that his workforce will method Sunday’s sport “such as you’re seeing starters at these positions” if the Chiefs relaxation most of their first-string gamers.
“Obviously, NFL rosters are — it isn’t like you’ve a university roster. I’ve been on this place earlier than on the opposite facet of it. I believe you are trying on the scheme relative to the sport plan after which planning on seeing the participant that you simply’re watching on movie. If another person is in that spot, then so be it,” he mentioned.
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold contributed to this report.
