Patrick Mahomes logged a brief, ultra-efficient appearance in KC’s preseason opener, delivering a yard on one completion and a touchdown, then exiting to preserve health for the regular season. The Chiefs rolled out a cautious plan, underscoring Reid’s priority on health and continuity atop a potential fourth consecutive Super Bowl run. Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun split backup reps with uneven results, highlighting a familiar QB2 carousel in Kansas City as they prepare for the Aug. 15 tilt with Seattle. Arizona’s defense forced multiple takeaways, heightening intrigue around depth-chart players behind the Chiefs’ stars.

Mahomes’ remarks about fearing contact reinforced the plan to keep him fresh, while the backup group produced a mixed bag of efficiency and mistakes, suggesting that depth at WR and the coaching staff’s comfort with a rotating group behind Mahomes will drive early-season decisions. The next test in Seattle will offer more clarity on which role players might carve steady fantasy value behind the Chiefs’ top-tier quarterback and targets. The Cardinals’ disruptive show adds a note of caution for KC’s surrounding cast, but the overall takeaway is a measured, health-first approach as KC eyes another deep playoff push.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has outlined a strategic approach for the team's upcoming preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, emphasizing the quarterback rotation. Reid stated that each quarterback will play a quarter, assigning Patrick Mahomes to kick off the game, followed by Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe, and Chris Oladokun. This planned distribution aims to give each player a fair opportunity to showcase their skills and build chemistry with the offensive unit ahead of the regular season.

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a precarious situation after their recent 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. To secure a playoff spot, they need the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets to overcome the Miami Dolphins. However, the Chiefs are expected to rest several key players, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, putting the Bengals' postseason hopes in jeopardy.

Carson Wentz is set to start for the Chiefs, but third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun might also see action. If the Bengals are relying on a third-string quarterback to secure a win against a formidable Broncos defense, they may need to reconsider their playoff aspirations. This game serves as an important audition for Wentz, who will be looking to prove himself in front of the NFL.

Josh Dobbs is set to make his 15th NFL start as the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. This opportunity comes as a chance for revenge, having previously started eight games for the Cardinals last season before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Despite a challenging record of 1-7 with Arizona, Dobbs found some success with Minnesota, going 2-2 after the trade.

At 29 years old, Dobbs has played for six different teams since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of 2017. He enters this game with a 3-11 overall record, 15 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The 49ers are giving him this start while they assess the condition of Brock Purdy, who experienced arm issues in Week 17 but is believed to have avoided a serious injury.

In addition to Dobbs, several former Steelers quarterbacks may see action in Week 18. Chris Oladokun is anticipated to get playing time with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Kenny Pickett remains the starter for the Philadelphia Eagles. Mason Rudolph is expected to share quarterback duties with Will Levis for the Tennessee Titans, and Mitch Trubisky could play again for the Buffalo Bills as they prepare for the playoffs.