It could have been a fairytale day for Saquon Barkley, who needs just 101 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s coveted rushing record – and he could have done it against his former side the New York Giants who controversially let him go in the summer.
The Philadelphia Eagles have their sights set on a Super Bowl though, so head coach Nick Sirianni said Barkley will “probably be somebody that rests” on Sunday.
Barkley was keen to try to eclipse a record that has stood since 1984, but has accepted the decision, saying: “I’ve got bigger things in mind, and we get a chance to rest and get ready to roll for the play-offs.”
Mahomes, and possibly Travis Kelce and a host of other Chiefs stars will sit out, and with also a bye week after that they will have a break of more than three weeks between games.
Whether that results in the well-rested Chiefs coming out swinging in the play-offs or some ring rust and lack of sharpness remains to be seen.
Like Barkley, Josh Allen will not get much of a chance for a final MVP performance as the Buffalo Bills have confirmed they will only allow their star quarterback to continue his 114-game starting streak before pulling him out of the firing line early.