Broncos Get a Lucky Break as Chiefs Bench Mahomes for Wentz!

Broncos catch a break: The Chiefs will start backup Carson Wentz at quarterback this Sunday in Denver. While this game holds little significance for Kansas City, having already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, it is a critical matchup for the Broncos as they vie for a playoff spot.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed the decision to rest star quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday, just before the team resumed practice following their Christmas Day victory in Pittsburgh. However, Reid remained tight-lipped regarding which other players might join Mahomes on the sidelines, emphasizing that roster limitations restrict the number of players who can be rested.

“If someone wants to start messing with it,” Reid stated, “there’s not a whole lot of messing going on. So guys play.”

For the Broncos, a victory against the Chiefs would secure a playoff berth as the No. 7 seed, sending them to Buffalo for their postseason opener. A loss, however, would place them in a precarious position, requiring wins from both the Jets against the Dolphins and the Steelers against the Bengals to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, recovering from a calf strain, is likely among the veterans who will be resting this week. Others, such as running back Isiah Pacheco, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, and veteran tight end Travis Kelce, may also be sidelined, following Kelce’s absence during last year’s Week 18 game.

Reid pointed out that player bonuses could influence game-time decisions. This could lead to ample playing time for three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who joined the Chiefs midseason via a trade with Tennessee.

Hopkins is on the verge of reaching significant bonus milestones, needing just nine receptions to hit 65 and earn a $250,000 bonus. He also requires 140 more receiving yards to secure an additional $250,000. If he catches a touchdown pass, that would trigger another $500,000 bonus for reaching six touchdowns this season.

“We want the guys to be able to reach them if they’re reachable,” Reid remarked.

It will be Wentz’s responsibility to connect with Hopkins on the field this Sunday.

Wentz, who signed with Kansas City during the offseason, is the latest veteran backup to Mahomes, following in the footsteps of players like Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and Blaine Gabbert. Although Wentz has seen limited action since the preseason—completing just two passes for 20 yards in a game against Cleveland—he has earned considerable respect within the Chiefs locker room.

“I got to train with him in team camp and stuff like that. Carson is an elite QB, and a lot of people take that for granted,” commented fullback Carson Steele, who might also see increased playing time in Denver as Pacheco and Kareem Hunt rest.

“It’s really cool to see how he performs,” Steele added, “especially being a veteran like himself.”

Wentz’s career includes 68 starts, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he earned a Pro Bowl selection and led the team to an 11-2 record in the 2017 season. However, injuries hindered his performance in subsequent seasons, and he has only started eight games in the last three years with the Commanders, Rams, and now the Chiefs.

His choice to join Kansas City was partly motivated by the desire to rebuild his value and secure a starting position next season.

“It’s obviously been different,” Wentz acknowledged. “But I’ve stayed locked in, stayed ready, prepared every week. I’ve taken some things from Pat, working with him, but every week I’m staying locked in and ready to go.”

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