Carson Wentz holds the fate of several AFC teams in his hands as the Kansas City Chiefs secure the No. 1 seed in the conference. With the regular-season finale approaching, Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ head coach, announced on Wednesday that the team will rely on their backup quarterback to start Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos in place of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will be resting along with several other starters.
Coach Reid explained his decision during a news conference, stating, “It wasn’t a hard decision. I’ve been through it before. I’m not too worried. It gives the other guys an opportunity to grow.” This strategic move by Reid could have significant implications for the AFC playoff landscape.
The Denver Broncos have a chance to clinch the final wild-card berth in the conference with a victory on Sunday, which would also put an end to their eight-season playoff drought. However, if they fail to secure a win against the Chiefs, the Miami Dolphins could claim the spot by defeating the New York Jets. In the event that both the Broncos and Dolphins stumble, the Cincinnati Bengals would be in line for a playoff berth if they manage to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
Carson Wentz, aged 32, joined the Chiefs this season and has seen limited action, completing both of his pass attempts for a total of 20 yards. His last start came in Week 18 of the 2023-24 season while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Wentz’s performance in the upcoming game against the Broncos will be closely watched as it could have far-reaching consequences for the AFC playoff picture.
The decision to rest Mahomes and other key players showcases the Chiefs’ confidence in their depth and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With the top seed already secured, Kansas City is taking a calculated risk in order to give valuable playing time to other members of the team, all while keeping an eye on the bigger playoff picture.
As the regular season draws to a close, the Week 18 matchup between the Chiefs and the Broncos takes on added significance, with playoff implications hanging in the balance for multiple AFC teams. Wentz’s performance as he steps into the starting role will be pivotal in determining the postseason fate of not just the Chiefs, but also several other teams vying for a spot in the playoffs.
This article was originally published on USA TODAY and highlights the pivotal role that Carson Wentz will play as he starts for the Chiefs in place of Patrick Mahomes during their Week 18 game.
