The upcoming clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals carries significant implications, echoing the intensity of their previous AFC Championship Game showdowns. Over the last two seasons, the Chiefs and Bengals engaged in thrilling encounters, both decided by a field goal, with Cincinnati claiming victory in an overtime walk-off two years ago and the Chiefs securing their game-winner in the final seconds last season. This regular season, the Bengals won twice against the Chiefs, each time by a narrow margin of three points.
As they prepare to face off again on Sunday, the stakes are undeniably high. While not Super Bowl-sized, a triumph for the Chiefs guarantees them a coveted playoff berth, while the Bengals can greatly enhance their postseason prospects with victories in their final two games. Heading into Week 17, both teams have fallen short of preseason expectations.
The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who completed an impressive 79% of his passes against the Chiefs, faced a setback when Burrow was sidelined for the season after 10 games. With Jake Browning at quarterback, Cincinnati holds a 3-2 record, with both losses against Pittsburgh and an overall record of 8-7. Despite the challenges, Browning, a former Pac-12 player of the year, has admirably stepped into the role.
On the other hand, the Chiefs are grappling with a recent downturn, losing four of six games since their bye week. Notably, the Bengals have historically troubled Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has a losing record against only two teams, the Bengals and Indianapolis Colts. Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo remains cautious, acknowledging the Chiefs’ status as defending champions and expecting them to be aggressive in their offensive approach.
The game presents an opportunity for Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt to make an impact after missing the previous five games due to injury. Taylor-Britt, with four interceptions in 10 games, has been cleared to return and will play a crucial role in the Bengals’ defensive strategy. Meanwhile, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, coming off a game with a sack against the Raiders, aims to reach double-digit sacks for the season, qualifying for a $1.25 million contract bonus.
The special teams spotlight falls on Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend, who executed a successful fake last week against the Raiders, showcasing his ability to throw accurate passes. The Chiefs’ special teams coordinator, Dave Toub, praised the team’s execution and highlighted Townsend’s throwing prowess.
While the focus is on the upcoming clash, there remains the possibility of a postseason rematch, extending their recent postseason rivalry. Regardless of the outcome, the Chiefs and Bengals are scheduled to face each other again in the regular season in 2024, renewing the competition once more in Kansas City. The game, set to kick off at 3:25 p.m., promises to be a compelling encounter with significant playoff implications for both teams.
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