Chiefs vs. Broncos: Paxton Lynch likely to start for Denver
By Matt Conner
According to reports out of Denver, the Broncos are likely going to start second-year quarterback Paxton Lynch against the Chiefs on Sunday.
Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph, who himself is apparently on the hot seat after a single year leading the team, has said the team is going to go ahead and start Paxton Lynch for their final game of the season to get a closer look at their former first round investment. That means he will be auditioning, in a way, for next season against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17.
Beyond the typical bragging rights and emotional nature that comes with this rivalry, the two teams come into Week 17 with very specific directives ahead of them. For Andy Reid and company, it’s all about staying as healthy as possible entering the postseason, which might mean the Chiefs could unveil their own rookie in Patrick Mahomes as well as other young players at key positions. The Chiefs would certainly love a win to boost them to 10 on the season, but the most important thing at this point is a run in January.
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As for the Broncos, at 5-10, they have nothing to play for this season. The front office and coaching staff should be doing everything they can to evaluate the roster moving forward. Giving Lynch a chance to start will at least give him some more reps with which they can evaluate his pro potential.
If this sounds like a ton of focus on a single player, it shows just how important the quarterback position is for the Broncos success. The defense is largely in place. Some skill position players are ready for a competent quarterback. The offensive line has serious holes, but even that takes a backseat to making sure Trevor Siemian never starts again.
For the Chiefs, facing Lynch could mean a victory even with back-ups is easier as long as coaches are scheming in a way that keeps the former Memphis product from gaining confidence in the pocket.
Lynch only has 3 starts in his NFL career with a completion percentage of 60 percent. He has 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions and a record of 1-2 in the small sample size.