2024 hasn’t really been the year for the 49ers. After losing to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, the Niners ended their last season in the most heartbreaking way possible. Coming into 2024, everyone thought the 49ers would go on a revenge run to claim what they couldn’t last year. However, look at them now. With two games still remaining on their schedule, San Francisco has nothing to play for. But Christian McCaffrey’s dad, Ed, thinks otherwise.
A three-time Super Bowl Champion, Ed knows what it feels like to play in meaningless games. Sharing a thread, Ed proclaimed Instagram story, “I remember playing in so-called “meaningless” @NFL games at the end of the season. Let me tell ya something, every game has meaning. We play for our God, family, the respect of our coaches & teammates, fans, city & the list goes on and on… if you play today, make it count!” Well, it’s the NFL we are talking about.
You are bound to face challenges, but giving up before it’s all done and dusted isn’t an option. Playing their last game in the Bay Area, Ed has urged his Niners to “Make it count.” Well, Christian McCaffrey’s dad isn’t the only one urging his team to show their fans what it means to play for San Francisco. Their head coach, Kyle Shanahan, is also looking forward to spoiling the Lions’ chances of securing the NFC’s No.1 seed, “I want to end it by beating Detroit. Nothing would be better than upsetting them and ruining their chance at the one seed and having a game that we can be proud of.”
Although it looks unlikely against a Lions side that has won 13 games this season, you just never know what will happen. Just look at last season’s NFC Championship game. The 49ers came back from a 17-point deficit to win against Detroit. So anything can happen on Monday Night when the Lions face off against a determined 49ers team. While the Niners are approaching their meaningless clash with a fiery attitude, Kansas City is doing the complete opposite. They have seemingly decided to rest Patrick Mahomes for their last game of the regular season.
Ed’s former team handed a major boost ahead of their clash with the Chiefs
With the AFC’s No. 1 seed already in their pocket, the Chiefs still took care of business against the Steelers on Christmas. There’s little at stake for the remainder of the regular season. But they are still approaching their final game of the season with a precautionary measure. As per Fox Sports reporter Peter Schrager, the Chiefs are going to start their backup QB Carson Wentz in place of Patrick Mahomes in week 18. If they do, it will be Wentz’s first start of the year since his last one in 2023.
That one, too, came in a ‘meaningless’ game for the Rams when they had already secured their postseason qualification. But it isn’t like Wentz failed to perform. He finished his outing by completing 17 of his 24 passes for 163 yards, alongside two TDs. Well, that start came when he was still in Los Angeles. This time, he will be wearing the Chiefs’ colors and will have a chance to show what he can do for the Chiefs Kingdom.
Now, the news that Wentz will start is music to Denver’s ears. Win against the Chiefs and qualify for the playoffs without having to depend on other teams. As things stand, Wentz is the only hurdle to their postseason hopes. So, let’s see how this one plays out, shall we?
