"Chiefs Bench Mahomes for Week 18 Finale, Playoff Position Secured"

The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to rest starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes for the final regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers, as they are already locked into the AFC's No. 3 playoff seed. Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert will make his first start of the season in place of Mahomes. The decision to rest starters extends to other regular players, though it's unclear who else will sit out. This move delays tight end Travis Kelce's chance to extend his record of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and Mahomes' opportunity to surpass Len Dawson as the Chiefs' all-time leading passer until next season.