Overview

• Travis Kelce strongly refuted claims that the Chiefs deliberately lost their Week 18 game against the Broncos to prevent the Bengals from making the playoffs.
• Kansas City rested many starters, including Patrick Mahomes and Kelce, as they had already secured the AFC's top seed and a first-round bye.
• Kelce stated on his podcast that he wanted to face the Bengals in the playoffs, likening his approach to 'slaying every dragon one by one' in a 'Mortal Kombat' style.
• The Bengals missed the playoffs despite winning their final five games, with Joe Burrow leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns and Ja'Marr Chase excelling in receiving stats.
• The Chiefs now await their Divisional Round opponent as they pursue a historic third consecutive Super Bowl title.