Why Chiefs Will Play Starters Still Standing in Season Finale

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Andy Reid has never been one to hide information. So, Pete Carroll, get ready for the full allotment of Chiefs starters in the season finale.

At least the starters still standing.

Reid confirmed on Monday he plans to do everything he can to beat the Raiders in Las Vegas, where the Chiefs conclude the season on Sunday (3:25 p.m. CT, CBS/KCTV, Channel 5, 96.5 The Fan). And given the choice of benching a veteran on the last year of his contract in favor of more experience for younger players returning next season, Reid will approach this week just like he did last week.

travis kelc — Dec 25, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs the ball at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“We want to win the football game,” Reid said after the 20-13 loss to Denver. “Number one, you want to win the football game. And I really don't care who's in. That's a primary goal. And so, we came up short. But again, gave a good effort there in doing that.”

Reid didn't change his mind over the weekend. On Monday, he said the only veteran likely to miss the game will be due to injury. Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith has been battling an ankle sprained in two places since Nov. 23.

trey mit — Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) at the line of scrimmage against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

“The only one I think is questionable there would be Trey,” Reid explained Monday afternoon. “He kind of pushed through that ankle, and he would probably push through this game, too, but I'm most likely going to hold him back a little bit. That thing's been bugging him for a while.”

Should Smith miss this week, Mike Caliendo is his likely replacement. Caliendo has started four games this season for Smith, including the first Raiders game on Oct. 19, when Smith was out due to a back injury.

Humphrey owns impressive starting streak entering finale

Center Creed Humphrey (97 games including playoffs) is the only Chiefs veteran with a significant starting streak entering Sunday's game.

As Reid has said several times, the Chiefs are already playing several young players due to injuries across the team – most notably at both offensive-tackle positions, where Chu Godrick and rookie Esa Pole have each made their first NFL starts this month.

jalen royal — Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jalen Royals (11) against the Tennessee Titans during pre-game warmups at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Veterans getting majority of snaps

But at most of the other positions at which the Chiefs have a choice between veteran and a youthful option – including wide receiver -- Kansas City leaned toward the veteran route.

While wide receiver Jalen Royals got his first NFL start last week, he wound up playing only five total snaps. Other young players and their snap counts included linebacker Cooper McDonald (21), Zacch Pickens (19), Kevin Knowles (six), running back Brashard Smith (six), tight end Jared Wiley (five) and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (four).

jeffrey bass — NFL Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jeffrey Bassa | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Defensive end Ashton Gillotte and cornerback Nohl Williams have emerged as Brett Veach’s best 2025 draft choices, at least through their rookie seasons. Both have played extensively since the beginning of the season.

Chiefs Kingdom, the Internet’s best destination for free and in-depth Chiefs news is right here with OnSI. Now that you’ve found us, don’t miss the FREE newsletter. Get the latest info emailed each day, and SIGN UP HERE NOW.