As the NFL regular season draws to a close, all eyes are on Denver for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. The Denver Broncos are set to host the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that could have significant playoff implications in the AFC. For the Broncos, a victory would mark their return to the playoffs for the first time since their Super Bowl-winning campaign in 2015. On the other hand, a loss could open the door for the Miami Dolphins or Cincinnati Bengals to seize the final AFC playoff berth.
High Stakes in Denver
The Chiefs, having already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, enter this game with a different strategy. Head coach Andy Reid is renowned for resting his starters when playoff positions are locked, a tactic he has successfully deployed four times since 2013. Consequently, the Chiefs plan to bench most of their key players against the Broncos. Kansas City finds itself as a surprising 9.5-point underdog this week, despite their top-seed status.
This scenario is not unfamiliar territory for Reid's team. In similar circumstances, the Chiefs boast a 3-1 record against the spread when resting starters. A notable example was in 2013 when Kansas City, as 14.5-point underdogs, nearly clinched victory against the Chargers, narrowly losing due to a missed field goal.
Carson Wentz's Opportunity
Taking the helm for Kansas City will be Carson Wentz, poised to start at quarterback for just the second time this season. For Wentz, this game presents a prime opportunity to showcase his skill set. Reflecting on the chance, Wentz noted, "I'm going to prepare to go out there and win and then have a good performance with this offense. I got one shot last year and so for me it's just not taking these chances for granted and having fun with it [and] cutting it loose."
For Wentz, starting in such a critical matchup, even as playoff positions for the Chiefs are set, carries significance. It offers him a platform to prove his capabilities in a league where backup quarterbacks occasionally need to step up in pivotal moments.
Implications Beyond Denver
While the Chiefs will focus on maintaining their momentum towards the playoffs, the outcome of their clash with the Broncos will reverberate beyond Denver. Both the Bengals and Dolphins are invested in the results, rooting fervently for a Chiefs victory to sustain their playoff hopes. A loss for Denver would potentially allow either team to leapfrog into the playoffs, making this game a crucial juncture in the AFC playoff picture.
As these teams take the field, the elements of strategy, opportunity, and legacy intertwine. The Broncos seek a long-awaited return to postseason glory, the Chiefs aim to preserve their starters' health while maintaining competitive integrity, and Carson Wentz hopes to seize the rare platform he’s been granted. The shadow of the playoffs looms large, and from Denver to Cincinnati, and Miami, all eyes will be fixed on this contest that holds the key to future dreams.