The Chiefs finally arrived in Denver on Saturday night after their plane was stuck on the tarmac at Kansas City International Airport for about four hours. The delay was caused by an ice storm that had covered the area before a blizzard was expected.
The team had planned to leave earlier to avoid the bad weather, which had been forecasted all week. However, the plane they were supposed to use was delayed in arriving, so they had to stick with their original mid-afternoon departure.
Just before taking off, airport officials announced that all flights were suspended due to “rapid ice accumulation.”
Luckily, there was a short break between the ice storm and the expected heavy snow, giving the airport enough time to de-ice the plane, clear the runway, and get the Chiefs airborne. Their chartered jet was the first to leave once flight operations resumed.
The Chiefs (15-1) have already secured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye, so their regular-season finale against Denver holds no importance for them. However, the game is crucial for Denver, which could clinch a playoff spot with a win.
Earlier this week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said he planned to rest quarterback Patrick Mahomes, so backup Carson Wentz will start. The Chiefs also ruled out right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs), while key players like defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce are expected to sit out.
The Chiefs will have to wait to find out who they’ll face in the playoffs. They will play their first divisional round game no earlier than January 18.
