The Kansas City Chiefs' most recognizable players and many of the team's more popular figures are likely to sit out as well in their Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos. But one important player in particular is likely to be as focused as ever despite the otherwise meaningless nature of the game. Just don't tell that to DeAndre Hopkins.
The Chiefs will take the field at Mile High against the Broncos on Sunday afternoon as the top seed in the AFC. That spot has been locked up since Christmas Day after the Chiefs' win over the Pittsburgh Steelers—giving them a near-perfect record on the season and the ultimate edge over the Buffalo Bills.
Just like that, the Chiefs are able to rest their starters for not only the end of the regular season as well as the first-round bye, giving them over three weeks to recuperate from whatever fatigue and injuries have been incurred since September.
Hopkins, however, has a bit more to play for than most. And it will be interesting to see how much the Chiefs try to help him get there.
Hopkins' contract includes some incentives based on production that are still in play for Week 18. The downside is that Hopkins won't have help from his teammates to get there. Instead of Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball, it will be Carson Wentz and Chris Oladokun. Instead of taking away the attention of opposing defenses, the Chiefs will line up Hopkins with a slew of backups—meaning the Broncos will be focused on Hopkins first and foremost offensively.
Still, Hopkins hopes to come away with enough production to tick some big boxes. With 9 or more receptions on the day, Hopkins will make $250K and another $250K will be delivered if he can cobble together 140 receiving yards. That's a major day of production, but an extra half-million would likely bring out the best in all of us.