Even though the Kansas City Chiefs suffered a blowout loss to the Denver Broncos with him under center, Carson Wentz made one thing clear to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes ahead of the 2025 NFL playoffs.

Though he was able to grit his teeth and play through some pain in Kansas City’s Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mahomes is still listed on the Chiefs’ injury report. Will Mahomes’ ankle injury affect his ability to participate in Kansas City’s Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos?

The Chiefs enter the final week of the season in strong position, as Kansas City is 15-1 and already clinched the best record in the AFC. Therefore, the Chiefs don't have to play for seeding this week when they travel to Denver to play the 9-7 Broncos.

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced his decision to rest Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday. While the game means nothing to the Chiefs, which has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs,

Patrick Mahomes was kept out of the Kansas City Chiefs regular season finale against the Denver Broncos. Mahomes, 29, did not play in the Sunday, January 5, game after the Chiefs secured the No. 1 see

Patrick Mahomes spent a chilly afternoon strolling the sideline in a jacket and sweatpants, with a handwarmer pouch secured around his waist.

After last playing on Christmas Day, Mahomes will have a long break while Kansas City rests during the first week of the NFL playoffs. The Chiefs won’t play again until Jan. 18 or Jan. 19, so Mahomes will have plenty of time to recovery before KC’s playoff game.

With the division title, top seed, and a first-round bye already secured, there’s no reason for the Chiefs to risk their franchise quarterback further injuring his ankle, or picking up another injury. Instead, Mahomes will get two weeks to rest and recover before the team’s Divisional Round playoff game.

The mission of the Denver Broncos is simple: win against Kansas City. But even with no Patrick Mahomes at quarterback that won't be so easy.

The Broncos are the pick for eight of 10 ESPN experts: Mike Clay, Jason Reid, Lindsey Thiry, Matt Bowen, Kalyn Kahler, Seth Wickersham, Jeremy Fowler and Moses Moody. Going with the Chiefs are Dan Graziano and Kimberly Martin.

Before kickoff, Mahomes was officially declared inactive for the game. So were six other Kansas City regulars: tight end Travis Kelce, running back Isiah Pacheco, cornerback Trent McDuffie, defensive end George Karlaftis, tackle Jawaan Taylor and defensive tackle Chris Jones.