The Broncos would clinch a playoff berth with a win on Sunday, and Denver coach Sean Payton isn’t concerned that the opposition won’t be at full strength.
Denver (9-7) plays host to the Kansas City Chiefs (15-1), who have wrapped up AFC West title and the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC playoffs. The Chiefs will hold out quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the regular-season finale to keep the squad healthy for a run at a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
Payton said Wednesday, “Like I said to the team this morning, ‘Our focus has got to be on this team in general.’ They’ll be, I’m sure, some different people in different places. …
“Credit to Kansas City, (Chiefs coach) Andy (Reid) and his team. When you go 15-1, then you’re afforded those decisions. I’ve been in that position where your team might need a break here or there. They’ve earned that and that’s part of the deal. For us, it’s about understanding what we’re seeing scheme-wise and being ready to play our best game.”
Chiefs backup QB Carson Wentz will get the start in place of Mahomes. Wentz owns a 47-45-1 record as an NFL starter but is on his fifth team in five years and has made just one start over the past two seasons, a win for the Los Angeles Rams one year ago this week.
“He’s in this league for a reason,” Payton said. “He’s big, and he’s strong. He was a first-round draft pick. We spoke during the offseason a little bit with him and his agents. It’s the player but it’s also everything around it and understanding what they’re trying to do.”
The Broncos would wrap up a wild-card berth with a victory or if both Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie this weekend.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the team,” Payton said. “Yes, it’s a big game. Like I said before, I think we’ll play in bigger, but this is a big game. It’s a division opponent. We’re playing a team with championship pedigree. They’re well-coached and we’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for what they’ve accomplished.
“We understand (that) we’re going to have to play well. That’s what gets you excited about coaching in this league. It’s what gets you excited about playing in this league. It’s important we have a good week of preparation.”
–Field Level Media
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