The Denver Broncos are not taking their upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs lightly, despite the Chiefs’ decision to rest star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and several other key players. With a playoff berth at stake, the Broncos are focused solely on securing a victory, regardless of who takes the field for Kansas City.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid announced on Wednesday that Mahomes would sit out the game, but he did not disclose which other starters might join him on the sidelines. It is likely that defensive tackle Chris Jones (strained calf), running back Isiah Pacheco (bruised ribs), right tackle Jawaan Taylor (sore knee), and veteran tight end Travis Kelce will also be rested, as Kelce did in last year’s Week 18 game.
“We have to play the game to win; that’s all that matters,” said Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. “We don’t care about any of the other stuff. Whoever is wearing red, white, and yellow, we have to beat them. It doesn’t matter who shows up or who sits out. The Denver Broncos need to show up on Sunday and win.”
A victory would secure the Broncos (9-7) their first playoff appearance since their Super Bowl 50 win in February 2016. Since that championship, the franchise has cycled through multiple coaches and more than a dozen starting quarterbacks.
The Chiefs (15-1) have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and are looking to secure a three-peat as Super Bowl champions. Reid’s decision to rest players comes after the Chiefs won three games in a span of 11 days, including a decisive 29-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day.
“Credit to Kansas City, Andy, and his team,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said. “When you go 15-1, you earn the right to make those decisions. For us, it’s about understanding the schemes and being ready to play our best game.”The Broncos missed opportunities to secure a playoff spot with losses to the Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals in recent weeks. However, they are embracing the challenge of a win-and-in scenario against the Chiefs.
“Sure, it would have been nice to have our position locked in, but this is a great opportunity to prove we deserve to be in the playoffs,” Sutton added.Even if the Broncos lose or tie against the Chiefs, they could still reach the playoffs if the Cincinnati Bengals lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins fall to the New York Jets. However, the team is not counting on external outcomes.
“We have to win the game, plain and simple,” Sutton emphasized. “It’s black and white; we just need to win.”The Broncos ended a 16-game losing streak against the Chiefs with a 24-9 victory last season and nearly defeated Kansas City in their previous matchup this season, losing 16-14 after a blocked field goal attempt.In preparation for this crucial game, the Broncos have made adjustments to their field goal protection unit, and kicker Wil Lutz has been perfect since then, converting all 12 field goal attempts and 22 extra points.
Related topics
- Where Is The Next Rugby World Cup 2027
- Do People Get Concussions in Rugby
- Can You Wear a Rugby Shirt with Shorts
