The NFL schedule makers didn’t do the Chiefs any favors by giving them a Sunday game in Week 15, followed by a Saturday game in Week 16, followed by a Wednesday game on Christmas in Week 17. The Chiefs responded by delivering three of their best performances of the season, and Patrick Mahomes says they’ve shown what kind of team they are.
“It showed the toughness of the team, and I think we got better as the games went on,” Mahomes said. “The guys, they’re mentally tough and they’re physically tough, and we played some really good football teams, some hard-fought battles, and the guys came away with three wins. That No. 1 seed is important. It’s like winning a playoff game, and so I was happy to get that done.”
Now the Chiefs have plenty of time to rest up: They’ve clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round playoff bye, which means their next meaningful game will be on either January 18 or January 19 in the divisional round of the playoffs.
So will Mahomes play in Week 18? He said Andy Reid will make that decision.
“That’s completely up to Coach,” Mahomes said. “If Coach wants me to go out there and play I’ll play. If he doesn’t, I’ll sit back. I have full confidence that Coach Reid knows what he’s doing.”
The Chiefs know how to play their best football at the right time: They’re the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, and they’re in great shape in their quest for a three-peat.