As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes are on the AFC Wildcard race, where there’s a lot riding on this weekend’s matchups. The Denver Broncos hold their fate in their own hands—if they can beat the Kansas City Chiefs, they’ll secure the final playoff spot. However, if the Broncos lose, the Miami Dolphins will have a chance to seize the spot with a win over the New York Jets. Adding to the drama, the Cincinnati Bengals—despite being one of the most frustrating teams in the league this season—still have a glimmer of hope. A win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night, combined with losses by Denver and Miami, could see them sneak into the playoffs.

However, all these “what-if” scenarios could soon be irrelevant. The key factor is the Kansas City Chiefs, who are poised to control the outcome of the playoff race in a way no one expected. Already locked in as the #1 seed in the AFC with a first-round bye, the Chiefs are likely to rest their starters in this game. Reports suggest that backup quarterback Carson Wentz and other second and third-string players will take the field, virtually assuring a Broncos victory. But there’s more at play here than just handing Denver a win. The Chiefs could be making a calculated move to avoid a potential playoff clash with the Cincinnati Bengals—a team no one in the AFC wants to face.

Why the Chiefs Might Want the Bengals Out of the Picture:

Despite a lackluster season from the Bengals’ defense, Cincinnati has quietly turned things around in recent weeks. With a four-game winning streak and Joe Burrow playing at an MVP level, the Bengals have emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the league. And for the Chiefs, this poses a serious threat. Kansas City has had difficulty containing Burrow and the Bengals in recent matchups, including a controversial regular-season game where the Chiefs were handed a last-second win after a pass interference call. Many still remember the tension from that game, as Patrick Mahomes voiced his frustration with game-changing penalties—yet remained silent when a similar call favored his team.

The Chiefs know better than anyone how dangerous the Bengals can be. If the Bengals slip into the playoffs, they could make another deep run, potentially at the Chiefs’ expense. With Burrow’s leadership, it’s clear that no AFC team wants to see the Bengals in the postseason. This leaves Kansas City with a difficult choice: to try and win, or to essentially “throw” the game, knowing that a loss might eliminate their biggest postseason threat.

The Ethical Dilemma:

This scenario raises a critical question about integrity in the sport, particularly with the potential for an expanded regular season. Fans and teams alike would be upset if star players are rested during critical matchups with playoff implications still on the line. The NBA faced a similar issue and implemented a Player Participation policy to ensure healthy players didn’t sit out during meaningful games. Under this policy, teams could face steep fines—up to $1 million—if they intentionally sat players during crucial matchups.

The situation with the Chiefs could border on similar territory. If it becomes apparent that Kansas City is fielding second-string players and calling plays that are clearly designed to avoid winning, it raises questions of fairness. How is this different from point-shaving or collusion? While Kansas City technically has no “need” to win, their actions could impact the integrity of the Wildcard race, especially if it appears they are deliberately handing a playoff spot to the Broncos.

The Business Side:

From a business perspective, the NFL would undoubtedly benefit from seeing the Bengals in the playoffs. With Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading the charge, Cincinnati has been one of the most dramatic and exciting teams of the season. Their presence in the postseason would draw massive viewership, providing more revenue for the league. If the Chiefs decide to effectively “tank” the game, they could be undermining the NFL’s financial interest and potentially disappointing fans who are eager to see the Bengals continue their playoff push.

Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the Dolphins won’t win their game and knock the Bengals out of contention regardless of what happens in the Chiefs-Broncos matchup. Allowing Denver to waltz into the playoffs without truly earning it—due to the Chiefs treating the game like a preseason scrimmage—could lead to widespread backlash and damage the league’s credibility.

What We Hope to See:

As the final weekend of the regular season approaches, fans will be glued to the TV, hoping for clarity and excitement in the playoff race. The Chiefs could make the right choice by playing their best players and letting the chips fall where they may. If Kansas City goes out and gives it their all, the Wildcard spot will be earned, and whichever team clinches it will do so on their own merit.

The AFC playoff picture is far from decided, but one thing is certain: this weekend will be anything but predictable. Whether the Chiefs play to win or decide to alter the course of the race for their own benefit, the ramifications will be felt throughout the league. Fans will be watching closely as this drama unfolds, and the league’s response to this ethical dilemma will have a lasting impact on how we view the integrity of the game.