With the No. 1 seed already clinched in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have nothing to play for against the Denver Broncos in Week 18.
Consequently, the Chiefs will rest several key starters against the Broncos, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
After practice on Friday, Denver coach Sean Payton was asked about facing a Kansas City squad that will be without several starters.
“You can’t control that,” Payton said. “We can’t control any of that. At the beginning of the week that was the message. I believe — and I said it at the start of the week — you go 15-1, you do what’s best for your team. Andy [Reid] has done this a long time and been very successful.
“One of the things I think you learn from experience is the things that you can control on your team [is] being ready. That’s what our focus has been on. It’s a great question, but there’s a scheme offensively. There’s a scheme defensively. Sure there’ll be some different players in different positions, but they played the same game a year ago and beat the Chargers. We’ve got to be ready to focus on the Denver Broncos.”
#BroncosCountry LIVE: HC Sean Payton meets the media https://t.co/nj3FxAoR5Y
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 3, 2025
The Broncos can clinch a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win (or tie) against the Chiefs. Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (view the TV map). Denver is considered a favorite at home in Week 18.
