Cincinnati Bengals VS. Kansas City Chiefs Free Pick
Scott Morris | January 27, 2023
On the line: a spot in the Super Bowl. It has a vague déjà-vu-like feeling, don’t you think? However, despite the comparable circumstances, these two teams are not the same ones who faced off in an overtime thriller a year ago, during which Cincinnati came back from 18 points down to secure its first trip to the Super Bowl in 33 years. Since the start of the 2021 season, these two teams have faced off three times, with Cincinnati winning each game by a margin of three points, including the Bengals’ 27-24 victory in Week 13.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Mahomes has a high ankle sprain, which was verified by an MRI. Mahomes is 1-3 in his career versus the Bengals. He indicated he plans to play against the Bengals despite his reduced mobility, going 22-of-30 for 195 yards and two touchdown throws in the second half of the divisional round victory against the Jaguars on Saturday. The Bengals’ defense limited Mahomes to 16 completions on 27 attempts (223 yards plus a touchdown pass) in the December game between Cincinnati and Kansas City, which was his fewest completions of the season.
With his 25 of 31 completions for 286 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one running touchdown, Burrow became the first quarterback to defeat Mahomes three times in a row. Running back Samaje Perine’s 106-yard outing gave Burrow a significant lift in that game. Joe Mixon was the Bengals’ standout rusher against the Bills in the divisional round, rushing for 105 yards and a great touchdown. However, the Cincinnati defense must also be praised for limiting the Bills to only 10 points and 8 first-quarter yards.
Reasons the Chiefs will triumph
Mahomes is still a top-10 quarterback despite his injuries. The injury will indeed hinder him. However, Mahomes will still benefit from an outstanding pass-protecting line, play-calling by head coach Andy Reid, and tight end Travis Kelce being seemingly uncoverable in current form, having caught 14 passes against eight different defenders in the Chiefs’ playoff triumph over the Jaguars.
Why the Bengals will triumph
The Bengals possess a benefit no one anticipated: a superior quarterback. Burrow will outperform Mahomes, who is hurt, giving Cincinnati the offensive advantage. When it comes to receivers, Chase and Tee Higgins are superior. In December, during the Bengals’ victory over Kansas City, Chase had 97 receiving yards. And in Sunday’s victory against the Bills, Burrow showed once more that he can get the ball out swiftly despite his offensive line (2.5 seconds average).
The Bengals would have the edge in all three phases if they had a limited Mahomes on the other sideline and will be the superior offensive team. Prior to stopping Josh Allen and the Bills, the Bengals were ninth in EPA per play on defense, while the Chiefs were fifteenth.
Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals for the win. You can bet this now at SportsBetting.ag and rest assured that you will never be stiffed on your winnings. They are an A+ outfit and interact with them regularly.
