The Chiefs will start Carson Wentz at quarterback against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. This game doesn’t have much impact for Kansas City, as they’ve already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, it’s a crucial game for the Broncos, who can clinch a playoff spot with a win.
Coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Patrick Mahomes would be resting, just before the team returned to practice after their Christmas Day win in Pittsburgh. Reid didn’t say who else would be resting but mentioned that there are limits to how many players can sit out.
“If someone wants to start messing with it,” Reid said, “there’s not a whole lot of messing going on. So guys play.”
The Broncos need to beat the Chiefs to secure the No. 7 seed and a trip to Buffalo for their first playoff game. If the Broncos lose, they would need the Jets to beat the Dolphins and the Steelers to beat the Bengals to keep their playoff hopes alive.
There’s a good chance that defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is recovering from a calf strain, will be one of the players getting a break. Running back Isiah Pacheco, who has bruised ribs, right tackle Jawaan Taylor with a sore knee, and tight end Travis Kelce, who missed last year’s Week 18 game, could also sit out.
Reid also mentioned considering salary bonuses when deciding who will play. This might mean wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to the Chiefs from Tennessee, could see plenty of action.
Hopkins needs nine catches to reach 65 and trigger a $250,000 bonus. With 610 receiving yards, another 140 yards would earn him another $250,000. If he catches a touchdown, he would earn an additional $500,000 for reaching six touchdowns this season.
“We want the guys to be able to reach them if they’re reachable,” Reid said.
It will be up to Wentz to throw to Hopkins on Sunday.
Wentz, who signed with Kansas City in the offseason, has mostly been a backup since joining the Chiefs, following in the footsteps of Matt Moore, Chad Henne, and Blaine Gabbert.
He has only played a little since the preseason, completing 2 of 2 passes for 20 yards in a win against Cleveland. Despite limited playing time, Wentz has earned respect from his teammates in the Chiefs locker room.
“I got to train with him in team camp, stuff like that. Carson is an elite QB and a lot of people take that for granted,” said fullback Carson Steele, who may get extra playing time with Pacheco and Kareem Hunt getting rest.
“It’s really cool to see how he performs,” Steele said, “especially being a veteran like himself.”
Wentz, who has started 68 games, mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. While his career hasn’t reached the same heights since then, he still has plenty of experience. He has started just eight games over the last three seasons with the Commanders, Rams, and Chiefs.
Wentz signed with Kansas City partly to rebuild his value and potentially start elsewhere next season.
“It’s obviously been different,” Wentz said. “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.”
