Though he was able to grit his teeth and play through some pain in Kansas City’s Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mahomes is still listed on the Chiefs’ injury report. Will Mahomes’ ankle injury affect his ability to participate in Kansas City’s Week 18 matchup against the Denver Broncos?

With the division title, top seed, and a first-round bye already secured, there’s no reason for the Chiefs to risk their franchise quarterback further injuring his ankle, or picking up another injury. Instead, Mahomes will get two weeks to rest and recover before the team’s Divisional Round playoff game.

The Chiefs enter the final week of the season in strong position, as Kansas City is 15-1 and already clinched the best record in the AFC. Therefore, the Chiefs don't have to play for seeding this week when they travel to Denver to play the 9-7 Broncos.