When you are on a hunt to achieve a historic 3-peat that’s never been done before in the league’s 104-year history, you are bound to make some decisions that push you closer to that monumental feat. And the Chiefs are doing just that as they throw in Carson Wentz to end their regular season despite having a healthy Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes’ backup has already started 93 games in his NFL career. However, now 32 years old, Wentz is far from the player who drew MVP consideration with the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2017. He will probably be closer to the one who started for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 (27 touchdowns to seven interceptions with a 94.6 passer rating) or Washington Commanders the next year (11 touchdowns in eight games). Wentz found himself relegated to a backup since joining Los Angeles.

Now, the thing is that before he even played his first snap as the Chiefs’ starter in week 18, their head coach, Andy Reid, all but confirmed his exit after this season. Praising the nine-year veteran, Reid expressed his thoughts on the possibility of the Chiefs retaining him beyond this season: “Yeah, listen. I’m one of his biggest fans. I liked him coming out. I liked what he did before he was banged up there in Philly, and I liked what I saw from him last year for sure with his start with the Rams. And I like what I’ve seen here. I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to see him here. Selfishly, I’d like to keep him, but I don’t think that’s going to be possible.”

“He should be starting in the league somewhere, that’s what he should be doing. By his ability and the way he goes about his business, he’s so structured and disciplined in his study habits and working out, all those things are just top-notch,” Reid had added. So when the reporters in Kansas City asked Wentz about his plans for the future, The 32-year-old offered a candid assessment of his next move.

“Yeah, I mean, I take it day by day. I’m confident in myself. I’m confident in my abilities. What I’ve done in the past is in the past. Good, bad, indifferent, I’m still confident I can play, and play at a high level. Looking forward to hopefully doing that this weekend and having fun while I’m at it.” Now, it isn’t like Wentz had found himself in this situation for the first time.

Going back to last season, Wentz had a similar experience with the Rams. His week 18 cameo against the Niners saw him complete 17 of his 24 passes for 163 yards. Well, the 32-year-old also contributed with scoring two TDs while carrying the ball 17 times. As for this season, his brief appearance came when Mahomes found himself in a high-ankle sprain scare. That saw him complete two of his passes for 20 yards vs. the Browns.

This would be a great opportunity for Wentz to show what he is capable of as a starter in the league. Stop the Broncos on their way to the playoffs, and maybe you could get an offer elsewhere that is worthy of your talents. Wentz is not taking his opportunities for granted: “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.” While he prepares for his first start in Chiefs colors, Patrick Mahomes played a big role in Wentz’s grooming as a backup in Kansas City.

From preseason itself, Wentz has looked sharp as he completed 9 of his 14 passes for 57 yards and a TD. When you have a player of Patrick Mahomes’ stature ahead of you, those chances will be limited. However, Wentz has taken this opportunity to learn something from the reigning Super Bowl Champion, “Trying to stay sharp, have you feel like you’ve done a good job at that. I mean, it’s obviously been different, but you know, I’ve stayed locked in. Stayed ready prepared every week, really kind of had the same routine since I’ve been in the NFL. You know, taking some things from Pat and kind of working with him.”

Well, the 32-year-old also had a similar take on Mahomes when he first joined the Chiefs on a one-year deal. “He just processes the game really quickly. He calls protections. He’s in and out of the huddle and throwing anticipatory throws. All that stuff you see from afar.” Judging by his words, Wentz didn’t have any regret playing behind Patrick Mahomes. But as he is set to start, does that give the Broncos any advantage?

Boost for the Broncos, but can they grab that?

Sunday’s game is the one that means nothing to Kansas City, which has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs but could mean everything to the Broncos. The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth as the No. 7 seed by beating the Chiefs, earning a trip to Buffalo for their postseason opener. If they lose, they would need the Jets to beat the Dolphins and the Steelers to beat the Bengals. The news that Wentz will start might be music to Denver’s ears. But remember what happened in 2019?

On October 17, 2019, in week 7, Vic Fangio’s Broncos were struggling in the second quarter of the season. It came as a blessing for the Broncos, as Mahomes exited the game after sustaining a dislocated right kneecap on the play after he was hit by defensive end Derek Wolfe, an injury that coach Andy Reid, years later, acknowledged was rare. But that did not make any difference for the Chiefs.

Matt Moore entered the game and destroyed the Broncos as the Chiefs humbled them at Mile High, 30-6. We don’t want to infer anything, but just a reminder of what happened when the last time Kansas City had a quarterback run a sneak. Also, not to forget, the Chiefs are the winners of 18 of their last 19 matchups with the Broncos. It might be Wentz and the Chiefs’ entire second-team roster, but he still is a talented quarterback coached by a future Hall-of-Famer and one of the best head coaches in NFL history.