With nothing at stake, Chiefs rest Mahomes, Kelce and several other starters against Broncos

By The Associated Press

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce speak after an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Freed]

DENVER (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are resting Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and a host of starters against Denver in the regular-season finale with nothing at stake. The Chiefs are 15-1 and have clinched a playoff bye as the AFC’s top seed. That’s why coach Andy Reid announced backup Carson Wentz will be under center instead of Mahomes and that a host of other players will sit out against the 9-7 Broncos. The list of inactives for the Chiefs also includes running back Isiah Pacheco, cornerback Trent McDuffie and tackle Jawaan Taylor. The Broncos need a win to make the playoffs for the first time since winning Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.