KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Following their impressive victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, the Kansas City Chiefs have earned themselves a much-needed break. This victory not only marked the conclusion of a demanding schedule with three games in just 11 days, but it also secured them the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
Head coach Andy Reid now has the flexibility to dictate how long of a break his team will take. With a record of 15-1, the Chiefs will face the Denver Broncos in their final regular-season game next weekend. The exact timing for this kickoff remains uncertain, but it will follow at least 10 days of rest after their 29-10 win against Pittsburgh—a welcome respite for a team that last had a bye in Week 6.
Since the upcoming game holds little significance for playoff seeding, Reid has the option to rest key players for the entire week, helping them to recharge before the playoffs begin. With the Chiefs securing a first-round bye, they won’t play again until at least January 18, giving them a full 24 days between games to recover and prepare.
“It’s been almost 10 weeks of football, grinding on this short schedule at the very end of the year,” said quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “We’ll see how Week 18 goes—who plays, who doesn’t play. That’s up to Coach. But having this break to get healthy and prepared for the playoffs is really important, especially with some players dealing with injuries.”
The game against the Steelers was achieved despite being without critical players such as four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who rested due to a calf injury. Cornerback Chamarri Conner missed the game with a concussion, and D.J. Humphries, a former Pro Bowl left tackle, appeared in just one game before injuring his hamstring.
Reid expressed optimism that all these players will be ready for the playoffs, alongside others recovering from minor issues, like right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who played despite a hamstring strain, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who sustained rib injuries in the win against Pittsburgh.
“This break is definitely helpful for the guys who are banged up, allowing them to recover and return in better shape,” Reid said, recalling similar strategies from previous seasons, including resting players against the Chargers last year. “I think this will be beneficial for us.”
Deciding on the optimal rest time for players presents a challenge. For those nursing injuries, the prolonged break may be essential for healing. Meanwhile, some athletes may require game time to maintain their performance level, thus making it important to strike a balance during the Broncos matchup.
“I was just talking to my family about it,” Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie mentioned. “During my rookie year, we managed to secure all home games. It’s crucial to keep the momentum going. I’m really eager to get out there. We have a first-round bye, but I’m excited to play.”
Currently, the Chiefs find themselves in a much stronger position compared to last season’s Super Bowl run, particularly with their receiving corps now enhanced by the acquisition of DeAndre Hopkins, the return of Hollywood Brown from injury, and the rise of rookie Xavier Worthy, reversing a previously unsteady dynamic.
However, the team has struggled to maintain a steady run game in recent weeks. Pacheco managed only 18 yards on six carries before sustaining rib issues, while Kareem Hunt averaged just 2.2 yards over nine carries.
On a positive note, rookie Worthy has broken through any perceived rookie wall and proven to be more than just a speedy asset. In the recent game, he recorded eight catches for 79 yards and a touchdown, continuing a trend of consistent performance throughout his last five games, each with at least five receptions.
In contrast, Pacheco’s performance has declined following a lengthy injury absence, as he has recorded 55 rushing yards or fewer in his past five outings, averaging merely 2.7 yards per carry in his last three games.
No significant injuries were reported during the game against the Steelers. A key achievement from that matchup was tight end Travis Kelce, who caught his 77th touchdown pass, surpassing the Chiefs’ previous record held by Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Kelce finished the game with eight catches for 84 yards, marking him as just the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
As they prepare for their long weekend off, the Chiefs will determine their final lineup for the game against Denver, focusing on maintaining their competitive edge while prioritizing player recovery.
