The Chiefs need to let Mahomes rest.

The Kansas City Chiefs are fortunate that they haven’t been in a situation where they’ve had to go more than a few games without Patrick Mahomes’ services (knock on wood), but they were still wise to invest in the backup quarterback position this offseason. K.C. signed former Philadelphia Eagles star Carson Wentz to back up Mahomes in 2024 and fans were thrilled with the signing when it happened.

While Wentz flamed out as a starter after looking like an MVP candidate early in his career, he gives K.C. the best backup they’ve had during the Mahomes era. The importance of that can’t be understated and we might find out exactly why in the coming weeks.

Mahomes was injured during the Chiefs’ two-touchdown win over the Cleveland Browns this past weekend, and that leaves his status for Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans in doubt. If the Chiefs didn’t have another game just four days after that one, maybe they could go ahead and let Mahomes play, but that’s not the case. The Chiefs host the Texans on Saturday and then have a short week, heading to Pittsburgh to play the playoff-bound Steelers on Christmas Day, which is the following Wednesday. That’s 3 games in 11 days.

This is when the Chiefs should use Wentz to their advantage. They signed the former second-overall pick (2016) because he’s a solid backup to have in a situation exactly like this, so use him.

Chiefs need to use Carson Wentz for the reason they signed him

While Mahomes might insist that he’s well enough to play, this is a time when the Chiefs need to do what’s best for their starting quarterback and let him rest for at least one game. K.C. has a two-game lead for the number-one seed over the Buffalo Bills. While Buffalo has a much easier schedule, the Chiefs can get into a better position to lock it down with a win this weekend.

Wentz has only appeared in two games this season and he threw his only passes during his brief appearance on Sunday. He completed both attempts for 20 yards and did enough to ensure that Kansas City kept the two-touchdown lead. Wentz is more than capable of running the offense for a game or two if that’s what needs to happen.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Mahomes has not been himself this year. The lack of protection is likely a big reason for that, so allowing him at least a game off, while he rests his ankle, would not be a move that Chiefs fans criticize. If Wentz performs well in relief, the Chiefs could sit Mahomes for the Christmas game as well (plus it’d be a little fun to stick it to Netflix for airing the game exclusively by not having Mahomes play).

The fact of the matter is that Mahomes got dinged up and if he’s week-to-week, why not give him a game off and let Wentz do what he was brought in to do? Sure it could go poorly but it could also be a season-saving move for the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat.