Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Announces Major Change Before Playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs head into the playoffs following a wildly successful season. Not only did Kansas City win the AFC West title for the ninth consecutive year, they also clinched the No. 1 seed in the conference, securing a first-round bye and home field advantage.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid rested quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and the bulk of his starters against the Denver Broncos in their regular season finale, as they had nothing to play for in Week 18. 

Speaking to reporters before Wild Card Weekend kicked off, Reid revealed numerous key players returned to practice in some capacity, including defensive tackle Chris Jones, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, running back Isiah Pacheco, and defensive back Chamarri Connor.

Reid also announced he made a key change to the team's practice on Jan. 10 that involved all the team's starters.

Reid revealed that the starting offense played against the defensive starters in practice, a situation he typically only utilizes during training camp.

"These are all competitive guys, but put the ones out there against each other, they really get competitive,” Reid explained. “That’s kind of a fun thing to be a part of. It’s good for the guys. It’s good to get caught up like that on the speed part of it."

Overall, Reid is looking to keep his starters sharp during the bye. "It is single elimination," he noted. "That’s easier said than putting that in your brain and getting yourself right for every snap that you have at practice to practice hard and aggressive with. You’ve just gotta make sure you really stay focused and don’t let distractions in there the best you can."

Mahomes and Co. will keep a close eye on the results of Wild Card Weekend. The Chiefs will face one of four following teams at Arrowhead Stadium next weekend: Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Denver Broncos.

The Chiefs' first playoff game will take place on either Jan. 18 or Jan. 19.