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.

From the sounds of early returns, the Chiefs could indeed rest starters with the No. 1 seed in the AFC locked up. The only question was if Andy Reid and the Chiefs were willing to let the starters rest for two-plus weeks by skipping Week 18 before sitting out on the Round 1 bye.

The third seed in the playoffs will be either the Ravens or Steelers, depending on which team wins the AFC North. If Baltimore wins, the Steelers either will be the fifth or sixth seed and could face the Chiefs in the playoffs if Pittsburgh wins a wild-card game.