The Kansas City Chiefs are giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes a week off ahead of their regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos. While the impact on their playoff chances may be minimal, there’s one player who could greatly influence their postseason run: D.J. Humphries.
Humphries has been an under-the-radar performer this season, playing just 60 snaps across all of 2024 due to a knee injury. However, his potential to start at left tackle in the playoffs makes him a key player to watch. The Chiefs have struggled with left tackle play since switching Joe Thuney back to interior line, and Humphries’ emergence as a candidate could be crucial.
Carson Wentz, who will start against the Broncos, is another player to keep an eye on. As the first quarterback to back up Mahomes who really should probably be a starter somewhere, Wentz is still one of the best 32 quarterbacks in the league. His presence will draw attention from front-office personnel across the league, and his performance could impact the Chiefs’ future.
Justyn Ross, a wide receiver not on the 53-man roster, is worth watching despite being a long shot to play in the game. Wentz has expressed interest in throwing to him during training camp, and Ross’s large catch radius makes him an appealing target. Additionally, Nikko Remigio’s value extends beyond his return roles, as he could provide an alternative option for the Chiefs.
Kingsley Suamataia, who has been benching, is an intriguing player due to his potential positional change. The Chiefs may rotate their linemen during the game, which could offer a glimpse into where they see Suamataia fitting in the future. With the team’s focus on the playoffs, these players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially impact the Chiefs’ success.
Source: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/sam-mcdowell/article297854868.html