Broncos blank the Chiefs backups in regular season finale
DENVER, Colo. (KMIZ)
With the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked down, the Kansas City Chiefs opted to start their backups in the regular season finale against the playoff-hungry Denver Broncos. The result went about as you'd expect.
Denver blanked the KC backups, 38-0, to clinch the final playoff spot in the AFC. It is the first time that the Broncos will be making a playoff appearance since 2015.
Quarterback Bo Nix had quite the night against the Chiefs defense, as he threw for more than 320 yards and four touchdowns in the win at Empower Field at Mile High. Three different players caught touchdown passes from Nix, with receiver Marvin Mims Jr. coming up with two.
For Kansas City backup quarterback Carson Wentz, Sunday's game wasn't quite as much fun. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 98 yards and no touchdowns.
The KC rushing attack was just as abysmal, though, as rookie running back Carson Steele was the leading rusher with just 21 yards on seven carries.
It wasn't just backups playing on offense for the Chiefs, as the defense rested its starters before the playoffs begin, as well. It was a good opportunity for young guys to show head coach Andy Reid and his staff what they can do. Linebacker Cam Jones and safety Nazeeh Johnson took advantage of that opportunity. Jones ended the day with a team-high 12 total tackles, while Johnson was right behind him with nine.
While the result of Sunday's game was big for Denver, it meant absolutely nothing for Kansas City, as a new season will begin soon.
With the AFC playoff picture now wrapped up, you can find a look at the seeding below.
- Kansas City Chiefs (bye)
- Buffalo Bills
- Baltimore Ravens
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Denver Broncos
On Wild Card weekend, every team except for the Chiefs will be in action.
Up next - Reid and company will wait to find out who they will face in the AFC Divisional round at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
