The Kansas City Chiefs finished their regular season with a shocking 0-38 shutout loss to the Denver Broncos. This was the first scoreless game in Andy Reid’s 11-year tenure as head coach.
Chiefs’ shutout loss leave fans fuming
While the Chiefs had already secured the AFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye, Reid’s decision to rest key players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce has sparked widespread controversy. Reid’s strategy left many questioning his motives, particularly as the loss had significant ripple effects across the league.
With backup quarterback Carson Wentz at the helm, the Chiefs’ offense floundered, amassing just 98 total yards. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Bo Nix dazzled for the Broncos, completing 26 of 29 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns.
The Broncos’ victory secured their first playoff berth since 2015 and simultaneously eliminated both the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins from postseason contention. NFL fans took to social media to voice their outrage, with accusations that the Chiefs deliberately manipulated the playoff picture to avoid a potential matchup with the Bengals.
Andy Reid had NEVER been shut out in his 12 years coaching the Chiefs 😳 pic.twitter.com/AuDNyzZUQl
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 6, 2025
Former quarterback Robert Griffin III tweeted, “Chiefs did everything they could to make sure the Bengals didn’t make the Playoffs. MY GAWD.” Some fans labeled Reid’s approach as cowardly, with one post calling for Reid to be fined or fired, claiming, “What we witnessed in this game is illegal in sports.” The Chiefs have a recent history of intense playoff battles with the Bengals, including a postseason loss in the 2021 season.
Chiefs using devil magic to lose so the Bengals aren’t in the playoffs is insane work pic.twitter.com/Opyq4kF0Za
— NFL Memes (@NFLHateMemes) January 5, 2025
However, critics argue that Kansas City’s dominant 15-2 record this year suggests no reason to fear Cincinnati, especially given the Bengals’ defensive struggles in 2024. Despite the backlash, Reid’s supporters defended the decision to rest starters, pointing out the team had nothing to gain from the game.
While the Broncos celebrate their return to the playoffs, questions loom over the Chiefs’ readiness for the divisional round. With Mahomes and other stars inactive for nearly a month, Kansas City may find rust, not rest, to be their biggest obstacle.
