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For a handful of teams, Week 18 is nothing more than a preseason game as they look to end the season as quickly as possible to begin their vacations -- but not for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun.
Stepping in for the injured Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, Oladokun was serviceable in his first NFL start in the 20-13 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 17.
Set to start against the Las Vegas Raiders, a big opportunity awaits Oladokun in Week 18.
With Mahomes injured and possibly missing the start of 2026, and Minshew unlikely to be back, Oladokun's Week 18 game is a chance to put himself firmly in the coaching staff's thoughts for a roster spot in 2026.
“Yeah, I think this game will be another audition for that,” head coach Andy Reid said. “So, I think that's good. He did a nice job last week, and in the time he had to execute and jump in there the week before. So, we'll just see where he continues to grow at.”
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Oladokun has a lot on the line
Given that this past fortnight has been the only time in Oladokun's career he has gotten live NFL snaps in the regular season, it is a chance to show the Chiefs that if needed, he can be called upon to keep the ship afloat.
Mahomes is the unquestioned starter, but if he gets banged up or can't play one week, Oladokun wants the coaching staff to know that they can count on him to deliver in Patrick's absence.
But to do that, the chances he does have must be taken.
So, while Week 18 is meaningless for half of the league, in Oladokun's case, it's the opportunity of a lifetime.
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