Mahomes, Flacco, McCaffrey amongst NFL stars dominated out in Week 18

Jan. 3 (UPI) — Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Joe Flacco and working again Christian McCaffrey are among the many key NFL gamers who will not play in Week 18, as their groups already clinched playoff berths.

Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid informed reporters Wednesday that Mahomes is not going to play towards the Los Angeles Chargers (5-11) on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif.

The Chiefs (10-6) already received their division and clinched the No. 3 seed within the AFC, which means that they’ll relaxation Mahomes and different gamers to keep away from potential accidents. Reid stated backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert will begin towards the Chargers.

“Pat will not play,” Reid stated. “Blaine will take over at that spot. We’ll rotate the opposite guys in at that spot [at practice].”

Reid didn’t say if tight finish Travis Kelce will play. Kelce wants 16 extra yards to safe 1,000 for the eighth-consecutive season. He’s seven catches shy of 100 for the fourth time of his profession.

Mahomes, who leads the NFL with 401 completions and 597 makes an attempt, will finish his season with 4,183 passing yards, 27 scores and 14 interceptions. He accomplished a career-best 67.2% of his throws.

The Chargers will host the Chiefs at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday in Inglewood.

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski additionally informed reporters Wednesday that Flacco is not going to begin Sunday towards the Cincinnati Bengals (8-8).

“We’re going to use this chance to relaxation some guys,” Stefanski stated. “I really feel like we earned that chance with how we took care of enterprise the earlier week.”

Stefanski stated Jeff Driskel will begin at quarterback. P.J. Walker would be the second-string possibility in Week 18. The Browns coach hinted that a number of different star gamers, together with Myles Garrett, might be rested to keep away from harm.

The Browns (11-5) already clinched a wild-card playoff berth. Flacco, who joined the group in November, threw a number of landing passes in every of his 5 begins this season for the Browns. He totaled greater than 300 passing yards in every of his final 4 appearances.

Flacco posted a 4-1 file because the Browns beginning quarterback, with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Browns will play the Bengals at 1 p.m. Sunday in Cincinnati.

San Francisco 49ers coach stated Monday that star working again Christian McCaffrey is not going to play in Week 18. McCaffrey sustained a pressure in his proper calf in Week 17. The 49ers (12-4) already clinched the No. 1 seed within the NFC and a first-round bye within the playoffs.

They are going to host the Los Angeles Rams (9-7) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.

The Baltimore Ravens (13-3) additionally clinched a first-round bye in Week 17, as the highest seed within the AFC. Ravens coach John Harbaugh declined to inform reporters if quarterback Lamar Jackson and different high gamers will take part of their Week 18 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7).

“I’ve not decided on any personnel but,” Harbaugh stated. “We now have to work by means of the harm a part of it first. That can take us 24 to 48 hours to get a deal with on that. Then we are going to make these selections.

“We aren’t going to maintain it a secret. We’ll let you understand as soon as we begin working towards.”

The Detroit Lions additionally clinched a playoff berth and received the NFC South. Lions coach Dan Campbell informed reporters Monday that he is not going to relaxation any of his starters.

“We’re gonna use our full arsenal and go win this sport,” Campbell stated. “You understand that is the target right here.”

The Lions (11-5) will host the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Detroit.

4 of the AFC’s seven playoff spots are clinched. 5 groups clinched playoff berths within the NFC.

The Ravens will host the Steelers within the Week 18 opener at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Baltimore.

Read More