The Chiefs‘ regular-season finale left fans in shock. The Sunday showdown saw the AFC No. 1 team being blanked 38-0 by the Broncos. And Andy Reid’s decision to bench Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and other starters raised eyebrows. And fans from many quarters blamed coach Reid for foul play.
Andy Reid is now being accused of manipulating the playoff picture. Since a win for the Chiefs could have meant a potential matchup with Joe Burrow‘s Cincinnati Bengals. On the other hand, the victory handed Denver their first playoff berth since 2015. All the praise to rookie QB Bo Nix for his spectacular performance. He completed twenty-six of twenty-nine passes for 321 yards. To make things even better, he also scored four touchdowns. Nix has now set a franchise record with 18 consecutive completions. In contrast, the Chiefs starter for the match flunked big time.
Carson Wentz managed just 98 passing yards and suffered four sacks. Kansas City’s offense was woefully ineffective without its stars. They mustered only 98 net yards. Denver’s offence? Theirs is more than four times the Chiefs’ net yards at 479. The game also ended a 12-year streak without a shutout loss for the Chiefs. And their first since Reid became head coach in 2013.
Reid’s decision to rest his starters didn’t just impact the Chiefs. The loss eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention. And this ripple effect paired with the abysmal performance has sparked outrage on social media. Former quarterback Robert Griffin III tweeted, “Chiefs did everything they could to make sure the Bengals didn’t make the Playoffs. MY GAWD.”
Fans now accuse Kansas City of fearing Cincinnati. They pointed to Kansas City’s recent history with Cincinnati. Citing close games and intense playoff battles such as the postseason defeat to Joe Burrow‘s Bengals in the 2021 season.
Social Media erupts over Reid’s strategy
Many fans are furious. They are labeling Reid’s strategy as cowardly. One fan tweeted, “Andy Reid needs fined or fired immediately! What we witnessed in this game is illegal in sports. Taking a dive and trying to manipulate the entire playoff scenario in their favor. KC is disgusting.”
Despite Kansas City’s dominant 15-2 season, critics didn’t hold back. Another post read, “Andy Reid and Patrick over there laughing while they getting spa*ked 38-0 because if they lose they get Joey B and Jamar Chase out of the playoffs. It’s nasty work. I hate the Chiefs.” Reid’s supporters argued the Chiefs had little to gain from the game. Since they had already secured the AFC’s No. 1 seed. But the critique also came from the Chiefs Kingdom.
Andy Reid needs fined or fired immediately! What we witnessed in this game is illegal in sports. Taking a dive and trying to manipulate the entire playoff scenario in their favor. KC is disgusting
— Rodney (@Deadknight46) January 6, 2025
One fan wrote, “Fire Andy Reid! ™️ #ChiefsKingdom.” Meanwhile, Denver celebrated their long-awaited return to the playoffs. Nix’s breakout season and the Broncos’ dominant performance made a clear statement. One fan even likened Nix to Josh Allen. “I realize the Chiefs weren’t exactly playing all out but I have to say I thought Bo Nix looked very impressive for a rookie QB. Gave me flashbacks to a young Josh. #BillsMafia,” they wrote.
For Kansas City, the loss could have unintended consequences. Their readiness for the divisional round is now in question, with Mahomes and other starters inactive for weeks. Rust, rather than rest, might become their biggest opponent.
This strategic decision may haunt Reid. While the Chiefs avoided the Bengals, they now face questions about their playoff form. As the postseason begins, all eyes will be on Kansas City to see if their gamble pays off.
