The end of the regular season is finally upon us.
The Kansas City Chiefs will face the Denver Broncos in Week 18 at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday. With the AFC's top seed secured, the Chiefs plan to rest key starters, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
In Mahomes' absence, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to start for the first time in 2024. The Chiefs' depth remains formidable, but their focus is on staying healthy for the postseason, which is why Denver is favored by 10.5 points according to the latest betting odds.
Head coach Sean Payton has the Broncos in a "win and in" scenario, aiming to secure their first playoff berth since 2015. The Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals are hoping for an "upset" by the Chiefs backups, but rookie quarterback Bo Nix has shown promise, and the team will be motivated to capitalize on the moment.
It will also help Denver that Mahomes and Kelce being out barely scratches the surface of other players who will also sit for Kansas City. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman, offensive tackle, Jawaan Taylor, defensive lineman Chris Jones, and running back Isiah Pacheco are all out. The same will likely be true of cornerback Trent McDuffie, safety Justin Reid, linebacker Drue Tranquill and more.
Can the Chiefs pull off a shocker and win on the road against a division rival in the very moment they hope to finally crest the postseason hill? Will Nix and company take care of business as expected and put K.C. squarely away with so much talent on the sidelines?
Let's take a look at the lists of inactive players before action gets underway at Mile High.
Chiefs inactive players for Week 18
- Patrick Mahomes, QB
- Travis Kelce, TE
- Chris Jones, DL
- Jawaan Taylor, OT
- Isiah Pacheco, RB
- George Karlaftis, DL
- Trent McDuffie, CB
Broncos inactive players for Week 18
- Eyioma Uwazurike, DL
- Matt Henningsen, DL
- Frank Crum, OL
- Levelle Bailey, OL
- Blake Watson, RB
- Zach Wilson, QB