Patrick Mahomes will rest in Week 17, Chad Henne to start

Wednesday update: Andy Reid has officially named Chad Henne the starter, per Field Yates.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured the No. 1 seed and the only AFC first-round bye with a win over the Falcons last week. That means they have nothing to play for in Week 17 when they face the Chargers. Thankfully coach Andy Reid was forthright on Monday, saying that “there is a good chance” we’ll see backup quarterback Chad Henne on Sunday, meaning they will rest starters.

This is obviously impactful for fantasy football leagues that play into Week 17, but also could impact the MVP race. Currently, Aaron Rodgers has moved ahead of Mahomes in the MVP odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, coming in at -200 to Mahomes’ +175. With Mahomes not playing, there likely isn’t going to be much movement in that race unless Rodgers were to tank in a big way at Chicago.

With the new wild card rules this season, there is an extra team, which means only one team can have a bye. The Chiefs are that team, so Mahomes and the starters will get a couple weeks of rest. Home-field advantage hasn’t been much of an advantage in our Covid-19 season, but not needing to travel is likely a plus as well.

The Chiefs are big favorites to win it all, as they are +180 to take home the Lombardi trophy while the Green Bay Packers are at +525.