KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs learned a valuable lesson from their recent game against the Denver Broncos: their backup players lack the quality required for playoff contention. Meanwhile, their star players demonstrated they still possess the ability to win during critical moments in the season.
In a decisive 38-0 loss to the Broncos, a game that Denver desperately needed to secure a playoff position, the Chiefs watched as their top-tier talent, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, rested on the sidelines. Head coach Andy Reid opted to give his key players the weekend off to preserve their health and preparation, especially since they had already clinched the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Chiefs will have to stay sharp for their next game, which is set to take place in the divisional round, as they embark on their quest for a third consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
Several significant contributors, such as running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, wide receivers Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins, tight end Travis Kelce, and others, were absent from the game entirely. Others, including wide receiver Xavier Worthy and offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith, had minimal participation, resulting in alarming statistics for the team. They managed to execute only 33 plays, attain five first downs, and accumulate 98 total yards, while the Broncos dominated with 479 yards of offense, scoring five touchdowns and maintaining possession for almost 42 minutes.
However, these dismal statistics are not a cause for concern; the main takeaway is that the Chiefs finished their regular season strongly, clinching a 15-2 record and securing the top playoff seed. With their focus now shifting toward the divisional round, backup quarterback Carson Wentz underscored the team’s mindset by expressing confidence in the abilities of Mahomes and the rest of the starters moving forward.
One silver lining is the effectiveness of the training staff and rehabilitation programs, which played a critical role in ensuring that the team avoided any unnecessary injuries in such a crucial period. The extra week off should benefit players like Chris Jones (calf), Jawaan Taylor (knee), and Isiah Pacheco (ribs), who have been dealing with various ailments throughout the taxing season.
The Chiefs had signed Wentz to be a reliable veteran quarterback who could step in if needed, but his performance against Denver lacked luster. He completed only 10 of 17 passes for a mere 98 yards, a statistic that raises questions given the strength of the starting lineup.
Looking at player performance, the starters fared well overall, contrasting sharply with the second-string players, whose struggles were more pronounced than anticipated. On a less positive note, kicker Harrison Butker missed a 42-yard field goal attempt right before halftime, marking a third consecutive game with missed opportunities for him.
There was a minor injury concern when defensive back Chamarri Conner appeared to injure his collarbone; however, X-rays showed no significant damage, allowing him to recover in time for the playoffs.
A notable statistic for Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid is his impressive record of 7-1 following a first-round playoff bye, highlighting his effectiveness in preparing teams for postseason success.
As for the next steps, the Chiefs will be matched against the lowest remaining seed during the divisional round. If the Broncos secure a victory in Buffalo this coming weekend, they could find themselves facing Kansas City again. Alternatively, if the seventh-seed Broncos lose and the sixth-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers advance by defeating the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers will head to Arrowhead Stadium. Should the Bills and Ravens both win, the Chiefs will then take on the winner of the Texans-Chargers matchup.
