Patrick Mahomes Makes Surprise Reveal About Week 18 Broncos Matchup

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was fantastic in a dominant win over the Steelers on Christmas Day, helping Kansas City clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

While the team has nothing to gain by playing starters in Week 18 against the Broncos, Mahomes still made a surprise reveal right after the victory. Speaking to the media about the win, the three-time Super Bowl MVP said he would prepare to start the divisional game as if it were a normal week.

Head coach Andy Reid will almost certainly rest Mahomes, especially considering he's still recovering from a high-ankle sprain, though it's wise for Mahomes to stay ready regardless.

Patrick Mahomes Preparing to Start in Week 18 Despite Securing No. 1 Seed

Denver needs to win one of its final two games to clinch a playoff spot. Even if the Broncos win in Week 17 against the Bengals though, they'll still have seeding to fight for in Week 18. The Chiefs are locked into the top seed, meaning they have no real incentive to try to win against Denver.

That said, Kansas City will have an unprecedented three weeks before taking the field again. Getting rest and healthy is obviously important, but so is staying sharp and ready. Mahomes and the other starters will prepare normally, but Reid won't put any key player in harm's way.

The only major new injury from the Steelers game was Isiah Pacheco's rib issue. It remains to be seen how significant that is, though Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine are more than capable of carrying the load should Pacheco's ailment linger.

No matter who the Chiefs play in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the game will be at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. It should be the healthiest Kansas City has been all year, a terrifying proposition for whatever opponent they face.

For now, Mahomes will celebrate the victory but treat practice as normal, staying ready in case his number is called.

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