As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Denver Broncos in Week 18, lineup changes for the AFC West champs are influencing betting odds and early lines.
With the Chiefs having secured the AFC's No. 1 seed, head coach Andy Reid plans to rest key starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who recently suffered a mild high-ankle sprain earlier in December. Backup quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to start in Mahomes' place.
Initially, sportsbooks favored the Chiefs by approximately four points. However, with Wentz starting, the line has shifted, and the Broncos are now favored by 2.5 points. The over/under for the game is currently set at 42.5 points.
The Broncos, currently vying for a playoff spot, have a straightforward path to clinch a postseason berth with a win against the Chiefs. Given Kansas City's decision to rest its starters, the Broncos now have even more pressure to deliver at home in Week 18.
Wentz, a former starter with significant experience, has been praised by Andy Reid throughout his year with the team. The Chiefs coach noted earlier this month, "He should be starting in this league somewhere." This game should give him a solid platform to at least stir conversations for potentially interested teams this coming offseason.
The question for bettors going forward is just how many more starters will be rested by the Chiefs. Will Travis Kelce also sit? Will DeAndre Hopkins give it a go or take a week off himself? How about someone like Hollywood Brown who just returned from a lengthy recovery? Isiah Pacheco is also dealing with some rib concerns.
Depending on how the Chiefs choose to weather the next three weeks, the Broncos could have an easier time than expected in Week 18 with many more player absences expected for K.C. Bettors might want to keep that in mind as they make their wagers for Sunday's game.