The Kansas City Chiefs’ final preseason game against the Chicago Bears is about to be played, and all the fans are asking themselves one thing; will Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce take their place at the Arrowhead Stadium? So, ladies and gentlemen, it seems like Andy Reid, the head coach of Chiefs has just put his foot down on those expectations.

In a move that’s about as surprising as a Mahomes no-look pass, Reid announced on Monday that the team’s starters, including Mahomes and Kelce, will likely be watching this one from the sidelines. “As far as the rotation goes for the Bears, I’ll probably sit the starters the way it looks right now and we’ll have the other guys get out there and play,” Reid told reporters, effectively putting the kibosh on any dreams of seeing Mahomes sling touchdown passes under the Thursday night lights.

But don’t start grumbling about missing out on some Mahomes magic before we analyze why this move makes more sense than a quarterback calling an audible. According to Reid’s statement, during camp sessions, the offense has already run 50 more plays than they did last season. That’s a whole lot of extra practice for a team in quest of its third straight Super Bowl title.

Furthermore, Mahomes himself has made some throws this preseason, with a total of 20 pass attempts from both games combined. Reid has seen enough to believe that he is ready for the regular season kickoff against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5th.

Rather, it is a time to evaluate the Chiefs’ roster and give meaningful playing minutes to those competing for their spots on the 53-man list. Regardless, the final preseason game affords a platform for fringe players to fight their way.

Chiefs’ backups vs. Bears’ defense

This match still provides an interesting glimpse into what is possible for Kansas City even without Mahomes and Kelce. So far in these last two games, the Bears have just run over their opponents as though they were nonentities with a combined score of 44-3 in both second halves. Such domination would make even Monsters of Midway green with envy.

For Kansas City’s backup quarterbacks and offensive line, it’s all or nothing in this game. Already in two preseason games, K.C.’s backup O-line has allowed eight sacks while converting a paltry 22% on third down attempts so far through two weeks respectively. Tonight will be a long one for anyone other than Mahomes behind center as the Bears’ defense which already boasts nine sacks after three quarters in each of its first three preseason games will make sure of it

This is why this match is so beautiful. It’s a chance for players like Tyson Bagent who has been completing passes at a 73% clip this preseason to showcase their skills against a top-tier defense. This is an invaluable opportunity for the Chiefs’ coaching staff to assess their depth and find potential diamonds in the rough.

It should be noted that preseason performance can portend regular season success sometimes. Just ask Bears’ new quarterback Caleb Williams who has flashed his brilliance during this pre-season already. As we approach kickoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, one thing is sure: while our eyes won’t catch Mahomes threading needles or Kelce dancing in the end zone, it’ll certainly provide us with intriguing insights into where both teams are headed next. And then get ready for a preseason finale that may just reveal the next NFL star.