Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season marked the last game of the regular season for all 32 teams.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, it was a divisional clash with their AFC West rival, the Denver Broncos. Despite spending four hours stuck on the runway in Kansas City late Saturday night, the Chiefs arrived in Denver on time and ready to play.

But for Kansas City, the stakes were low. They had already clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and secured home-field advantage throughout the playoffs after Week 17. That left a decision for head coach Andy Reid.

Should he rest his starters for the game against the Broncos or let them play and risk injury? Reid stuck to what he’s done his entire career, choosing to rest key players whenever the opportunity arises.

The list of inactive players included Isiah Pacheco, Patrick Mahomes, Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Jawaan Taylor, Chris Jones, and Travis Kelce.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87).

© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Kelce’s absence wasn’t the only one felt on Sunday for the Chiefs. Kansas City was blown out 38-0 in a game that felt way out of reach early.

Peyton Hendershot and Noah Gray were the two tight ends that attempted to fill the void for Kelce. They combined for three catches and 26 yards.

By the time the Chiefs take the field for the Divisional Round, all the rested players will have enjoyed two full weeks off. Securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC also earned them a bye in the Wild Card Round.