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 it out, as their 15-1 record means they are already assured of being the AFC top seeds. With a first-round bye in the play-offs, 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 audition 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.