The Broncos can secure a playoff spot with a win on Sunday, and Denver coach Sean Payton isn’t worried that the Chiefs won’t have their full roster available.
Denver (9-7) will host the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), who have already won the AFC West title and secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. To keep their key players healthy for a possible third straight Super Bowl appearance, the Chiefs will rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the season finale.
Payton said on Wednesday, “Like I said to the team this morning, ‘Our focus has got to be on this team in general.’ They’ll be, I’m sure, some different people in different places. …”
“Credit to Kansas City, (Chiefs coach) Andy (Reid) and his team. When you go 15-1, then you’re afforded those decisions. I’ve been in that position where your team might need a break here or there. They’ve earned that and that’s part of the deal. For us, it’s about understanding what we’re seeing scheme-wise and being ready to play our best game.”
With Mahomes resting, backup quarterback Carson Wentz will start for the Chiefs. Wentz has a 47-45-1 record as an NFL starter and has played for five different teams over the past five years.
He has started only once in the past two seasons, a win with the Los Angeles Rams around this time last year.
“He’s in this league for a reason,” Payton said. “He’s big, and he’s strong. He was a first-round draft pick. We spoke during the offseason a little bit with him and his agents. It’s the player but it’s also everything around it and understanding what they’re trying to do.”
The Broncos can clinch a wild-card spot with a win or if both the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie this weekend.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the team,” Payton said. “Yes, it’s a big game. Like I said before, I think we’ll play in bigger, but this is a big game. It’s a division opponent. We’re playing a team with championship pedigree. They’re well-coached and we’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for what they’ve accomplished.”
“We understand (that) we’re going to have to play well. That’s what gets you excited about coaching in this league. It’s what gets you excited about playing in this league. It’s important we have a good week of preparation.”
