The Cincinnati Bengals need several things to go right in order to sneak into the playoffs. One of those is likely hoping Kansas City Chiefs backups can beat the Denver Broncos in Week 18. From the sounds of early returns, the Chiefs could indeed rest ...

In a funny twist, the Chiefs can knock the Bengals out of the postseason before the bracket is even set. All they have to do is lose the regular-season finale in Denver to ensure the Broncos reach the postseason and the Bengals stay out of it — a task made easier with Mahomes and a host of top-flight starters expected to sit out the game.

The Chiefs are set to rest many starters going into Week 18's scheduled game against the Denver Broncos. That means some players will enjoy over 20 days of rest between games given that the Chiefs have also earned a well-deserved first-round bye after clinching the top seed in the conference.

The Denver Broncos haven't been to the playoffs since beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 season.

As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs will rest key starters when they face the Denver Broncos on Sunday. With the No. 1 seed already clinched in the AFC, Chiefs coach Andy Reid announced Wednesday that key starters including quarterback Patrick Mahomes will not play against the Broncos in Week 18.

With the No. 1 seed in the AFC already locked up, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to rest some starters in Week 18's match against the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, not every starter will have the luxury of having the day off.