Two years ago, Patrick Mahomes wanted to play the Bengals in the AFC Championship game. The Chiefs QB was answering a question from his father as seen in the Netflix series “Quarterback.” Now, as the possibility of the defending champions squaring off against the Bengals this season is a faint one, will the Chiefs lend a helping hand to Joe Burrow’s team? Going by the Chiefs’ team news for their Week 18 game, it may appear so, but that is far from the complete story.

The Chiefs have sealed the No. 1 seed and the AFC’s lone bye after their win against the Steelers on Christmas Day. This means their last game of the regular season against the Broncos is a meaningless affair for them, but it carries implications for their opponents as well as the Bengals. For Zac Taylor’s side to reach the playoffs a few results will have to go their way including hoping for a Chiefs win vs the Broncos. But going by the murmurs surrounding Andy Reid’s plans for the game, the Bengals could be in for disappointment.

According to FOX’s Jay Glazer, “They’re not playing any of their starters,” Glazer said on FOX NFL Sunday. “Anybody who’s banged up. Anybody like Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones.” But according to Chiefs’ announcer Mitch Holthus, this won’t mean that Reid is going to allow the Broncos to walk over them.

While sharing thoughts on current situations in the NFL and playoffs race on 96.5 The Fan, Holthus shared an insight on how the Chiefs’ HC will approach the game. saying, “Andy Reid wants to win this game.”

In fact, Mitch has talked about this on the same radio podcast (96.5 The Fan). When the announcer was asked, “I know you think it’s kinda ridiculous but somehow people have this notion that the Chiefs are hoping Cincinnati doesn’t make the playoffs cause they don’t wanna potentially running into ’em, [what’s your thoughts on that?]” Holthus replied, “That’s the most nonsensical thing somebody can say.

Andy Reid has proven because he’s played everybody. Who’s he not played in the playoffs and beaten in New England with Brady? He’s done it and he’s not arrogant. Chiefs will stay sharp. Trust me. This quarterback, this coach… they will stay sharp.” This suggests that Reid won’t be taking it easy with the Broncos and he has good reasons not to.

It would make sense for Reid to want to keep the Chiefs starters on the field, so they can stay ready for their playoff run. Resting them would mean they get two weeks off as opposed to the one and it could be a concern heading into the knockout games. If the starters are off the pace, there is always a chance a team can spring a surprise on them. Then there is the chance for the Chiefs to slam the playoff door shut in the face of the Bengals as well.

The Bengals have been a pain in the side of the Chiefs for the last decade or so and Andy Reid’s side narrowly beat them earlier this season. Also, Reid won’t be keen on losing the last game of the regular season. Winning is a habit and in a season where they are going for a third Super Bowl title in a row, any sort of hope to their rivals could prove to be costly. The HC also made it clear that his players need to stay “sharp.”

“You have to stay sharp. Everything gets faster in the playoffs. It’s single elimination, you’ve got to make sure your game is peak every time you play,” he said ahead of the Broncos game.

On the other hand, the Chiefs have won two Super Bowls since they last lost to the Bengals in December 2022. History also suggests that Reid is likely to keep the likes of Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones away from action. He did it in 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2023. Reid is also wary of the rest his players need after playing three games in 11 days over the festive period.

“I think we’ll be OK from it because of the rest that we gained here and that we also have the bye coming up where there’s a chance the guys get a day or two off,” he mentioned. Mahomes has been dealing with an ankle injury and it could be the perfect chance for the Chiefs to give him some much-needed rest before the playoffs.

As for the Bengals, their poor start to the season has put them in a difficult predicament and a Chiefs win isn’t the only result they need to qualify for the postseason.

Bengals are relying on other results for their postseason hopes

The Bengals were able to salvage their season somewhat after four wins in a row and finish with an 8-8 record. With this, they have given themselves the chance to reach the postseason for the third time in four years.

To achieve that, they will have to beat the Steelers on Saturday and hope that the Chiefs beat the Broncos. They will also be relying on the Jets to beat the Dolphins on Sunday. This seems like a difficult scenario for the Bengals, but who knows, it might just end up happening.

As far as Patrick Mahomes’ wish to play the Bengals in the playoffs goes, that is also some way off. If Zac Taylor’s team does make it to the postseason, they will need to beat the Bills in the Wild Card round. Only then, we will see Cincinnati head to Kansas City.