Chiefs name starting QB for Broncos game: ‘I still go out there and expect to win’
Kansas City Chiefs backup quarterback Carson Wentz wore a ball cap during practice stretches Wednesday, located in his customary position next to starter Patrick Mahomes.
This week will be different, however, in nearly every other aspect. That’s because Wentz will start in Sunday’s road game against the Denver Broncos. Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that he’ll rest Mahomes with the No. 1 seed already locked up.
“It wasn’t a hard decision, no,” Reid said.
This was expected, given Reid’s previous history.
In past instances, the veteran coach has almost always chosen the path of rest for his starters if his team played a late-season game without any playoff implications.
That makes it a potential showcase for the 32-year-old Wentz, who started in the NFL for seven seasons before joining teams as a backup in 2023 and 2024.
Reid has frequently spoken this season about being impressed by Wentz, stating the QB deserves to be a starter somewhere in the league.
On a one-year contract with the Chiefs, Wentz has a chance to prove his worth against a Broncos team that needs a win Sunday to secure a playoff berth.
“Obviously we know the circumstances. We know where we’re at, and the reason I’m playing and not Pat and all the things,” Wentz said. “But I still go out there and expect to win.”
Vegas oddsmakers aren’t convinced that Wentz will be able to do it — especially with KC backups around him.
KC is a 10 1/2-point underdog in Sunday’s road game. The implied odds state that the Chiefs’ chances of winning are between 15-20%.
A lot remains at stake, even if it’s not for the Chiefs. The Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals are still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, but neither can make it if the Broncos defeat the Chiefs.
Wentz understands, then, that if he can upset the Broncos on Sunday, he could potentially earn folk hero status among one of those fan bases. Former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, for instance, reported that Bills fans donated more than $415,000 to his charity after he led the Bengals to a 2017 victory over the Baltimore Ravens that gave the Bills their first playoff berth in 17 seasons.
In case you were wondering: Wentz has a nonprofit organization, The AO1 Foundation, which has the mission of “uplifting individuals and communities around the world.”
“I’ve had a charity for about 10 years, so anybody can donate whenever they want to,” Wentz said Wednesday with a smile. “We’ll see what happens.”
Wentz’s top priority remains preparing himself in case he’s needed during a playoff game. He performed well a few weeks ago after Mahomes injured his ankle late against the Browns, completing 2 of 2 passes for 20 yards to help the Chiefs close out a 21-7 road win.
“I’m still confident I can play at a high level,” Wentz said. “Looking forward to hopefully do that this weekend and having fun while I’m at it.”
Reid is likely to rest many other starters. He said the game could play out similarly to last season’s Week 18 win against the Los Angeles Chargers, when KC’s playoff seed was set and players on the offensive line often rotated between positions.
As for Wentz, he said he’s attempted to stay sharp on the Chiefs’ scout team in practice, while going against a KC defense that is “no slouch over there.”
He also vowed to embrace Sunday’s opportunity. Wentz sat out most of last season before signing late with the Rams and starting the team’s Week 18 game in a 21-20 road win over the San Francisco 49ers.
This one sets up to be his first — and perhaps last — start as a Kansas City Chief.
“I’m excited to have Coach Reid calling it for me,” Wentz said, “and see what that’s all about.”
This story was originally published January 1, 2025 at 3:13 PM.
