As the NFL heads into Week 18, one of the most crucial matchups will take place in Denver, where the rediscovering Broncos prepare to host the Kansas City Chiefs. This game is monumental for the Broncos, as a win would secure their first playoff spot since 2015, ending the NFL’s second-longest postseason drought. Conversely, a defeat could open the gates for the Miami Dolphins or the Cincinnati Bengals to snatch the final playoff berth in the AFC. Talk about high stakes!

On the other side of the field, the Chiefs have already locked in the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC, which means they have nothing significant to gain in this game. With plans to rest most of their starters, it may seem like a victory for the Broncos is a given. But NFL fans know better—it’s a league where surprises lurk around every corner.

Currently, oddsmakers have the Chiefs as 9.5-point underdogs. However, this isn't uncharted territory for head coach Andy Reid and his squad. Over Reid's decade-long tenure, the Chiefs have benched their starters during the final week of the season four times, winning two of those games despite being heavy underdogs. Notably, the team's track record suggests they should never be counted out.

Let’s break down those pivotal games:

1. **2013**: Chargers 27, Chiefs 24 (OT) - Chiefs were 14.5-point underdogs 2. **2017**: Chiefs 27, Broncos 24 - Chiefs were 3-point underdogs 3. **2020**: Chargers 38, Chiefs 21 - Chiefs were 7-point underdogs 4. **2023**: Chiefs 13, Chargers 12 - Chiefs were 3.5-point underdogs

The most telling comparison is from 2013, where the Chiefs faced the Chargers in an eerily similar situation. With nothing to play for, the Chiefs still competed fiercely, leading until the closing minutes and finally bowing out in overtime by a missed field goal. It’s this legacy of competitive spirit that gives hope to the Bengals and Dolphins as they look for their own playoff opportunities.

Reid has confirmed that Carson Wentz will be stepping in as the starting quarterback for the Chiefs this Sunday, leaving Patrick Mahomes to watch from the sidelines. The strategic decision aims to rest key players but leaves room for several regular starters to participate in the game. The Chiefs' roster is densely packed, meaning that even without their star names on the field, the team will have seasoned players ready to give it their all.

Wentz, eager to establish himself anew, recognizes the significance of this opportunity. “I’m going to prepare to go out there and win and then have a good performance with this offense,” he stated confidently. This will mark only his second start since the 2023 season began, and he knows it could be a game to showcase his abilities.

While the Bengals and Dolphins will be anxiously watching, hoping for a miracle win from the Chiefs to keep their postseason dreams alive, it’s important to remember the unpredictability of the NFL. With both teams fighting for different reasons, this clash at Mile High could very well turn the playoff picture upside down. Will Denver be celebrating with a playoff spot, or will the Chiefs deliver an end-of-season shock that no one saw coming? Only time will tell!