Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has strongly refuted claims that the Chiefs intentionally lost their final regular season game against the Denver Broncos to prevent the Cincinnati Bengals from reaching the playoffs. In a recent episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce passionately denied the allegations, emphasizing his competitive spirit and desire to face the strongest opponents.

With the Chiefs having already secured the AFC's top seed, several key players, including Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, were rested during the game, which ended in a 38-0 defeat. This led to speculation that the Chiefs deliberately lost to avoid a potential playoff matchup against the Bengals, a team some fans have dubbed a threat to Kansas City's dominance in the AFC.

Kelce vehemently dismissed these accusations, expressing his eagerness to compete against top teams regardless of their seeding. He stated his desire to face every challenging opponent, comparing his approach to the video game Mortal Kombat, where players systematically defeat each adversary. He even went so far as to say he'd play the Bengals "in a Walmart parking lot" if necessary, highlighting his eagerness for a competitive showdown.

Kelce also expressed his admiration for the Bengals' performance towards the end of the season, lamenting their playoff absence and the impact it would have on the overall excitement of the postseason. He further questioned the Bengals' decision to fire defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, praising the team's defensive improvements late in the season.

Reiterating his point, Kelce emphasized that the Chiefs players who participated in the Denver game competed earnestly, striving for a victory despite the challenging circumstances. He attributed the loss to an inability to generate consistent offensive drives and effectively contain Denver's offense. He urged his teammates to maintain their focus and confidence as they prepare for the playoffs, reminding them of their status as a formidable force in the league.

While the Chiefs enjoy a first-round bye, the Broncos will face the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. Meanwhile, the Bengals face the offseason with a need for a new defensive coordinator and significant decisions regarding the future of their star wide receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.