Going into week 18, the Chiefs have locked a playoff berth whereas their opponent Chargers are all but in. The game holds no value to either side or the rest of the AFC, so head coach Andy Reid has made a significant decision. As the Chiefs travel West, the team’s starter Patrick Mahomes is one of the no-goes for the Sunday clash at the SoFi Stadium.

Mahomes still decided to fly with his squad for the Inglewood game against the Chargers that kicks off at  4:25 p.m. ET. While there are a few obvious reasons why the QB would be sitting on the bench, what are the major ones? More importantly, would the defending champions face a similar fate to that of the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens for keeping Mahomes out?

Here are the reasons behind the ‘Coaching Decision’ for Patrick Mahomes

There are 3 major reasons why the QB would be a benchwarmer for the LA clash. Firstly, Reid expects Mahomes to be fully fit and in his best shape going into the wild card round. Secondly, the game’s outcome doesn’t change things at all, as either side knew their fate long back.

Thirdly, and potentially the most important reason: The Chiefs need a reality check without their star PM15. There are still a couple of questions lingering over the offense, especially at the WR position. Mahomes himself has seen a significant drop in his numbers from 2022.

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So Reid feels the urge to evaluate the squad if the QB was having a bad day or was missing due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, 12-year veteran backup Blaine Gabbert is set to take the starting spot. But will the call backfire in the Chiefs’ 9-6 record, like what happened to the Ravens?

Did Andy Reid make a bold move keeping Patrick Mahomes out?

The Ravens have been largely untouchable in the season, especially during the latter part of it. The robust Dolphins or the relentless 49ers offense looked deadly until they matched the AFC top seeds. But pretty much for the same reasons as Mahomes, HC John Harbaugh decided to keep Lamar Jackson out of the Steelers game.

And that gave the Steelers just what they needed. Mike Tomlin‘s side took the Tyler Huntley-led offense down, significantly increasing their playoff chances. While no loss was done to the Ravens. If the Chiefs surrender against the Chargers, however, things are not going to be chance given the 5-9 Chargers are guaranteed to watch the postseason as the spectators.

But is a 10-7 regular season still on the card for Andy Reid’s side, the worst during the Mahomes era? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

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