Will Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce Miss the Game Against the Chargers to Recuperate for Playoffs?

The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the playoffs after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on New Year’s Eve. However, this time the Red Army isn’t looking as dominant as it was in the past seasons. Nevertheless, as they are left with just one regular season game, coach Andy Reid is reportedly planning to make some roster changes in the team against the Los Angeles Chargers. If history repeats itself, spectators might not witness the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in action this weekend.

The team’s key starters have genuine reasons to use an opportunity to sit out this weekend as they can use this time for the much-needed ‘mental rest’ too. After Week 17, the Chiefs won the AFC West, but again, ‘locking’ themselves up on the No. 3 seed. Interestingly, this number 3 seed is the lowest seed they have ever gained in Mahomes’ era. After defeating the Chargers in Week 7 at their home ground, the Chiefs are now set to travel to SoFi Stadium to once again face the AFC West team.

Will Andy Reid experiment in the last regular game of the Chiefs?

The Chiefs, with a record of 10 wins and 6 losses, are set to play the Chargers on Sunday. However, this game doesn’t hold much importance for them, as they’ve already secured a spot in the playoffs and are locked in as the number 3 seed. Therefore, they might use this Week 18 game to fine-tune their offense for the playoffs. So, according to the rumors, there is a possibility that key starters like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce could use some time off before the playoffs. Coach Andy Reid is uncertain about resting his starters, but there are rumors that he might want them to get more playing time to improve their recent offensive struggles.

Patrick Mahomes was himself unsure about his playing in the last regular game this season, as he left the decision to coach Reid. Many analysts believe that Mahomes may not play to avoid any potential injuries that could harm the Chiefs’ playoff prospects. Furthermore, past decisions by Reid suggest that when the team has nothing to play for in the final week, he tends to keep his main players out. For instance, in the 2020 season, Reid rested his main players after securing the No. 1 seed. So, history might repeat itself.

Read more: Patrick Mahomes Makes Stunning Admission as Star QB-Led Offense Becomes Chiefs’ Chink in the Armor

While rest before the playoffs seems ideal, some starters like Kelce, may want to play a few snaps as Kelce is close to reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the eighth consecutive season. However, till now nothing has been confirmed, but many analysts believe that there is a possibility that Mahomes could use a week off.

Who will replace Patrick Mahomes if he rests for week 18?

Week 18 will be interesting as many players might sit out for their last regular game of the season. Among them, one could be Patrick Mahomes. Since Mahomes is likely not playing much, or maybe not at all, his team’s receivers might be catching passes from Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has remained a backup QB for Tom Brady as well. This former Buccaneers and 49ers QB, signed with the Chiefs in April last year.

In this preseason, Gabbert got the chance to play in the first half against the Saints where he connected with Richie James for the longest reception of the day, i.e. 43-yards. Then just two plays later, they scored a touchdown in the first half. However, the team lost to the Raiders 26-24. In general, at that game, Gabbert seemed at ease leading a new offensive strategy. He appeared to be the kind of player who can step in during a game and do what’s necessary to secure a win, even if coming off a bench.

Chiefs’ defensive tackle, Chris Jones also expressed the need for a “week off” amid lingering bruises after Sunday’s win against the Bengals. This gives all the more reasons to Reid to make a decision that benefits the team.

In the upcoming game, the Chiefs may choose to give Rashee Rice a break among their main receivers to ensure that other players are sharp in catching. This means the fans might witness Watson, Mecole Hardman, and Richie James taking on more significant roles in the game, catching passes from Blaine Gabbert. Do you think Kelce and Mahomes will sit out?

Watch This Story: After Pat McAfee’a Light-Hearted Mockery, Boston College Football Punter’s Weird LA Bowl Qualification Celebration Goes Viral