That’s scary” – Former NFL QB believes Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs cooked up recipe for disaster in Week 18

The Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs may have clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed, but their approach to Week 18 has been controversial. Joining other NFL fans, former NFL QB Chris Simms labeled the coach Andy Reid’s decision to rest starters as “a recipe for disaster.”

Speaking on “The LeBatard Show” on Friday, Simms shared his concerns about the impact of extended rest on readiness to perform in the playoff.

“You’ve got to play a little bit. They’re going to go three and a half weeks without meaningful football,” Simms said and referenced the Chiefs’ decision to sit key players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones.

Next, Simms pointed out past examples like the Baltimore Ravens’ shocking loss to the Tennessee Titans in 2020 after a similar layoff.

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“That’s scary. That’s a recipe for getting upset in the divisional round,” Chris said.

Moreover, the NFL Analyst stressed the importance of keeping that momentum and brought up historical precedents, mentioning:

“Whether it was the Parcells’ Giants or the Belichick’s Patriots, they had a lot of games where Week 17 was all locked up. They didn’t really need to do anything, but Brady and everybody played maybe into the third quarter, and then they took them out. You want to go into the playoffs somewhat sharp and ready to go. So, I hope the Chiefs play a good majority of their guys, at least a good amount of the football game.”

On Sunday, the Chiefs’ backups were steamrolled by the Denver Broncos in a 38-0 shutout. It is the first time Kansas City has been blanked under Andy Reid.

The Week 18 clash for the Denver Broncos, who earned a Wild Card berth, was their second franchise shutout against the Chiefs— the first since 1984. Next up, they will face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

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Did Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs make a calculated gamble or a costly mistake?

Andy Reid’s decision was a calculated risk. With no stakes in Week 18, resting starters minimize injury risks. History suggests the head coach is consistent with this strategy.

Previously, he rested Alex Smith in 2017 to give then-rookie Patrick Mahomes his first start. This year, the baton was passed to Carson Wentz, who struggled in his Chiefs’ debut.

Alongside Patrick Mahomes, notable names like Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and Isiah Pacheco were sidelined. Meanwhile, active starters played limited snaps.

Five days before the Week 18 clash, Reid defended his decision via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, saying:

“It wasn’t a hard decision. I’ve been through it before. It gives the other guys an opportunity to grow.”