Read all about it!
Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes thanked God for healing his body this week in the post-game interview on CBS TV in the US. And whether you believe in such a force or not, this was certainly an otherworldly performance from KC’s quarterback, who willed his team to victory on a serious high sprain that should have seen his ankle in a boot for weeks.
The catalog of magical Mahomes moments is already lengthy at the age 27, and he’ll have yet another opportunity to add on in just two weeks time, in Arizona, against the Philadelphia Eagles.
And we’ll be there, reporting on-site with plenty of coverage of Super Bowl LVII. For now however, thank you for joining our coverage of the AFC Championship, and wherever you’re reading, good morning, afternoon or goodnight.
Bengals 20-23 Chiefs, Final
There is no miracle, this game is over! The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to the Super Bowl to face the Philadephia Eagles thanks to the performance of Patrick Mahomes’ young career.
Updated
FIELD GOAL! Bengals 20-23 Chiefs, 0:03 4th quarter
It’s good from 45 actually! KC are three seconds away from the Super Bowl. Joseph Ossai is going to have a long offseason unless there’s some magic with three seconds left.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:08 4th quarter
Mahomes is running! He has a first down and he’s hit as he goes out of bounds! A flag is thrown on Ossai for a personal foul! That is crazy!
That moves the ball 15 yards to the 23 and it will be a 41-yard kick for the Super Bowl. Will Butker be the hero?
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:17 4th quarter
Mahomes is rushed as he throws, incomplete. It’s 3rd & 4.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:21 4th quarter
Screen. Pacheco has the ball and is down after a six yard gain. KC need about 10 yards for a reasonable shot at a field goal.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:31 4th quarter
Skyy Moore has room on the return – it’s a 27-yard runback. Great field position. KC have one timeout and start on their own 47.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:41 4th quarter
Burrow has nowhere to go and Chris Jones has him! It’s a sack and it’s fourth down. Cincy must punt.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:44 4th quarter
From the Bengals 33: Burrow is back to pass, throws left, incomplete. Third and eight.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 0:47 4th quarter
Burrow in the shotgun, taking his time with the snap. OK, here they go – it’s a throw deep to Hurst, complete! It’s a first down on the near sideline! We’re under a minute to go with the ball on the 33.
Timeout Cincinnati. They have one left.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 1:22 4th quarter
The football is on the 16 yard line. How will it end?
Burrow has time, steps up and runs ahead for about three.
Now Burrow gets rid of it as Chris Jones came into his neighborhood.
It’s 3rd & 7.
No it’s not – the refs call intentional grounding, which is the right call. That’s a terrible play by Burrow.
So it’s 3rd & 16…
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 2:00 4th quarter
It’s loud.
Burrow to Higgins over the middle: complete. First down. Ball at the 16.
Here’s the warning.
Buckle up.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 2:30 4th quarter
Mahomes can’t find anyone, so this guy has to run, which is crazy. No gain.
Now it’s 3rd & 12 on the 45. Mahomes dishes to McKinnon for a short gain.
There’s a holding penalty on KC, which Cincy declines, making it 4th down and eight.
The Chiefs punt. It’s a good one – to the Bengals seven-yard line.
Here comes Joe Burrows.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 3:53 4th quarter
It’s late. It’s the time fans of these teams are catching their hearts in their stomachs.
Hilton is called for pass interference on 2nd and two. First down KC.
That’s a bit ticky tack if you ask me.
But never mind – Pacheco takes a screen, bounces off a tackle and has daylight! Wow, KC are inside the Cincy 40!
That clock is really moving.
INTERCEPTION! Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 6:50 4th quarter
Burrow throws to the flag on 2nd & three to Chase, but it’s incomplete.
Big down right here – crowd is loud.
Burrows is in the shotgun, there’s time, a deep ball towards Higgins, and it’s tipped by Cook - Williams has it! Interception!
Chiefs ball at their 14.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 7:16 4th quarter
Burrow on his skates, and he runs for a first down! It’s a 13-yard gain at the Bengals 29.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 9:18 4th quarter
Now it’s 3rd & nine again and this time Mahomes throws over the middle, incomplete. And this time it’s for real. That did happen.
So KC will punt, and after all that mess, which I do not understand, still, ball don’t lie, and Cincy will get the ball back.
Fair catch called at the Bengals 11-yard-line
Updated
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 9:54 4th quarter
OK, I am very confused. The refs are saying the play was “shut down” before the last play. So there’s a do over? What?
It looks like that’s the case, and the whistle blew before that last play, and so the play is dead and it never happened.
So here we go again. 3rd & 9: Mahomes is in trouble and he’s sacked!
But there’s a flag! It’s holding on Eli Apple and that’s an automatic first down.
I don’t believe what I just saw! KC have been gifted a life here! If I am a Cincy fan I am freaking out.
Ball is on the KC 38.
Wild.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 10:29 4th quarter
Mahomes is nearly sacked, throwing it incomplete just before hitting the dirt on the 34.
It’s 3rd and nine. Mahomes finds Kelce but he’s well short of the first down and now KC will have to punt.
It’s a big stop by Cincy and there’s some deep breaths from the frigid fans in Kansas City.
Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 11:32 4th quarter
So the banged up offense is back on display for KC. Right away they face a 3rd & 1 on their 32.
Pacheco scrapes together a small gain – it’s enough. First down KC.
Updated
It was 4th & 6…
…and Burrow threw it into double coverage, and made it happen. On the road. In the AFC Championship. I still can’t believe that. Damn.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 20-20 Chiefs, 13:30
Perine pushes onto the line and into the endzone! The extra point is good and this game is tied.
So Cincy capitalizes in the muffed throw by Mahomes.
Now, with all the injuries piling up on the Chiefs offense, and Mahomes unsteady on his feet, will the Chiefs have enough answer?
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 13:44
On 4th & 6, Burrow is throwing into double coverage! Chase turns, leaps and makes the catch! Wow! Bolas enormes!
ON 4TH AND 6... JOE TO JA'MARR.
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/a6qXLq5xKo
The ball is on the two!
Updated
Will Wiles writes:
Ironically the biggest injury stories pregame for the Chiefs are still on the field but the Chiefs have lost two huge players either side of the ball. Willy Gay, Sneed, Hardman and Toney aren’t just outstanding players but in key positions. It’s making it a lot tougher!
Yes, and Schuster as well. And they’re still up!
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, end of 3rd quarter
It just slipped out of Mahomes’ hand. Total fluke.
Meanwhile, it’s 3rd & 5 with seconds left in the third quarter. A screen to Perine and he’s wrapped up for a minimal gain! It’s fourth down.
One quarter to go! Who will join the Eagles in Arizona?
Stick with us to find out.
TURNOVER! Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 0:55 3rd quarter
Mahomes lost the ball as he was throwing! The ball is loose! Hubbard has it! Bengals football!
SAM HUBBARD RECOVERS THE FUMBLE AT MIDFIELD.
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/nqa58cN0lx
Wow, that could be an extremely important play. What a break for Cincinnati.
Ball on the Chiefs 45.
Updated
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 1:10 3rd quarter
On 2nd & 10, Mahomes finds Kelce for a first down over the middle. The Chiefs move across midfield.
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 1:39 3rd quarter
KC are down to three healthy receivers says CBS TV in the US. Injuries are taking their toll on the Chiefs weapons. But they’re still ahead, amazingly.
And here’s more amazing – on third and long, Mahomes finds Scantling for 25 yards!
But there’s a flag. It’s a personal foul for taunting after the catch after the play. So it’s a first down and in the end it’s a 10 yards gain.
Andy Reid is not happy.
Ball at the KC 42.
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 2:53 3rd quarter
Burrow has time, runs to his right, throws close to the line of scrimmage towards Higgins, but McDuffie gets a hand on it and tips the football. Incomplete.
Cincy punts and a great return by Moore to the Bengals 34. But alas, there’s a flag.
It’s holding on KC, and that wipes out the return. It pushes them back 35 yards, and that is a huge call for the Bengals of course.
KC start at their 31.
Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 3:27 3rd quarter
Burrow facing pressure on second down has to throw it away. It’s 3rd & 7.
Burrow in the shotgun: he has Chase who is all alone over the middle for a first down. Except there’s a flag! It’s a holding call and it wipes out a 19-yard gain!
That’s a huge call. Now it’s 3rd & 17!
Marvelous Mahomes
This is shaping up as an all-time performance for Mahomes if he manages to wizard a win here. Bengals start at the 25 after the touchback.
Let’s see how Burrow responds.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 13-20 Chiefs, 4:15 3rd quarter
Mahomes buys some times and fires over the middle to Scantling. Does he have it? Was it intercepted? I can’t tell. Now Scantling sticks the ball out – he’s got it! It’s a touchdown. WOW! How did he do that?
What a play by Mahomes, and on one leg!
PATRICK MAHOMES. INCREDIBLE ARM STRENGTH.
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/4cr5lJiSDr
Updated
Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 4:22 3rd quarter
OK. Ball on the 19. Pacheco gets a yard running to his right.
Then Mahomes is in trouble, he steps up in the pocket, and tosses it as he’s taken down, but he’s ruled down. It sets up a 3rd & 10 after the loss of two.
CHALLENGE! Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 6:03 3rd quarter
KC wins the challenge and that’s a first down. But the Chiefs are out of challenges! Was it worth it?
CHALLENGE! Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 6:02 3rd quarter
Mahomes finds Scantling who sticks out his arm with the ball to try and get the first down but the refs mark him short. Andy Reid doesn’t like the spot so they’re going to challenge the play.
They better win, or else they have just one timeout left. I don’t like this challenge, if you’re asking.
Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 6:07 3rd quarter
Mahomes is hit on a short gain! It sets up a 3rd & 7. I can’t believe this guy can still run.
He’s in the shotgun now and calls timeout, KC’s first. Ball at the 26.
Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 7:16 3rd quarter
Hartman walked to the sideline, so we’ll see if he returns.
And let’s see how Mahomes does after feeling the pain. He finds Kelce for five yards and then Scantling on the near sideline and he has some room! Scantling goes for 26, and the Chiefs are at the Bengals 28.
Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 9:04 3rd quarter
…no!
Hardman makes a first down catch and an 11-yard gain. He is down on the field after taking the hit from Wilson.
The big news is that Mahomes was rolling right on the play and looks to have done some additional damage to that ankle. He looks shaky indeed.
Ball at the KC 40.
Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 9:10 3rd quarter
How will the Chiefs respond? Well, it’s 3rd & 5 after Taylor-Britt breaks up a Mahomes pass. Will KC go three and out?
The numbers
CBS TV in the US says Cincy has out gained Kansas City 132 yards to two since the two minute mark of the second quarter. That is a staggering turn around.
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 13-13 Chiefs, 9:54 3rd quarter
Linebacker Willie Gay was shaken up on a previous play and left the field.
It’s now a big third down – Cincy need six from the 27. Burrow is going for it all on the far sideline – it’s in the hands of Higgins! Touchdown!
What a ball from the hands of Burrow, absolutely perfect throw.
TEE GOT UP! @TeeHiggins5
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/N3QfZ2WTa1
The extra point is good and we are tied. It just got very quiet at Burrowhead!
Updated
Bengals 6-13 Chiefs, 10:10 3rd quarter
Perine for three to his right. It’s 3rd & 6. And let’s just say this is fourth down territory already if this doesn’t work out.
But it does! Burrow takes it himself and has daylight! He’s straight ahead for an 11-yard run. They’re down to the 31.
Updated
Bengals 6-13 Chiefs, 11:46 3rd quarter
Alright. Let’s see what Cincy can do. Right away, a nine yard throw to Higgins, complete, on the far sideline.
Then Perine runs straight ahead for seven. First down!
Now, across midfield, Burrow fakes a handoff to Perine, can’t find anyone, and runs ahead for about two yards. Second and eight.
Updated
Bengals 6-13 Chiefs, 13:29 3rd quarter
News: Sneed is out with a concussion. Not good for KC.
More news:
It’s 3rd & 7. Mahomes is in the shotgun. He has a lot of time and throws a deep ball towards Marquez Valdes-Scantling but it’s overthrown.
Good start for the Bengals who will start at their 40 after a short punt return. Excellent field position!
Updated
And we're back...
…KC has it to start after a Pacheco return to their own 21.
FIELD GOAL! Bengals 6-13 Chiefs, halftime
OK, so the kick is good. Some big moments to close the half for the Bengals. First, they hold after the turnover. Then they go 90 long yards for a scoring drive. They didn’t get the TD they wanted but they did make it a one possession game, and that’s crucial.
And remember: the Bengals were down 21-10 at this point in this very same fixture last season. Chew on that.
My son has a stomach virus, so I have to throw his sheets in the laundry, if you know what I mean! I’m typing under duress here! Back soon!
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 0:04 2nd quarter
Burrow fires incomplete twice and the Bengals will kick it and take the points. It’s a 23-yard attempt.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 0:09 2nd quarter
Burrow is looking for Higgins on the sideline and it’s complete! First and goal on the KC five!
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 0:32 2nd quarter
Burrow from the shotgun. He steps and fires, over the middle, and he has Higgins for 11 yards. Ball at the 26 and Cincy call their final timeout. Interesting.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 0:39 2nd quarter
Perine catches a screen but can’t get out of bounds. Timeout Cincinnati – they have two left. It’s 3rd & 1 – Burrow hands to Mixon who runs ahead for the first down. Timeout two is called by the Bengals. Ball on the KC 37.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 0:50 2nd quarter
Burrow finds Higgins on the near sideline, and Higgins is out of bounds stopping the clock. Ball at the KC 45.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 1:20 2nd quarter
Burrow is picked off by Cook off of a deflection by Hurst! But there’s a flag!
It’s pass interference on Cook, who hit Hurst early. That’s a huge call!
The drive continues.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 1:52 2nd quarter
Two minute drill time. Hurst is close to a first down as he runs out of bounds on the near side after a catch. It’s 3rd & 2. Big down coming up.
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 1:59 2nd quarter
Mahomes throws incomplete on 3rd & 10, and so it’s an important defensive stand for the Bengals to not give up any points off of that turnover.
Good punt! The Bengals start at their five.
Mixon runs ahead for two yards, and that takes us to the two minute warning.
INTERCEPTION! Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 2:22 2nd quarter
It’s 3rd & 2 from the Bengals 32. Burrow throws it into the hands of Watson, and he plays for the Chiefs! He’s pushed out of bounds at the Bengals 39!
7th-round rookie Jaylen Watson with an INT in back-to-back weeks!
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/JFMPoOtPpj
With KC getting the ball after the half, that is, suffice to say, not what Cincy were looking for. There’s a huge opportunity upcoming now for Mahomes and the Chiefs to put some real distance between these two teams.
Updated
Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 3:23 2nd quarter
Well, this situation demands a response from the four-time sacked quarterback of the Bengals. Can they eat into that lead before the half? Let’s find out.
Burrow starts by hitting Mixon on the far sideline for six, up to the 31.
Updated
TOUCHDOWN! Bengals 3-13 Chiefs, 3:53 2nd quarter
It’s 4th & 1 and KC are going for it. Mahomes moves to his right and fires to Kelce in the endzone! He’s got it! Touchdown! Classic link up between these two All-Pros!
Mahomes. Kelce. Every time.
— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2023
📺: #CINvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/fM5ertlhHi pic.twitter.com/kx2V7tBfjO
Updated
Bengals 3-6 Chiefs, 4:12 2nd quarter
On 3rd & 1 on the 11, Mahomes is going to throw…or he was going to throw. He’s sacked by Sample!
Will KC go for it?
Timeout Kansas City, their third and final of the half. Let’s see what they do.
Bengals 3-6 Chiefs, 5:57 2nd quarter
The Chiefs resume from their 25. Pacheco pushes the line for five, then Mahomes hits JuJu Smith-Schuster on the near sideline for seven yards and a first down.
Now Mahomes is rolling right (and quite well), before finding Valdes-Scantling for 11 yards.
And then right back to Valdes-Scantling for another big gain – this time 29 yards!
Now KC are suddenly on the Cincy 23! Wow! High ankle sprain? Really?
FIELD GOAL! Bengals 3-6 Chiefs, 8:36 2nd quarter
McPherson kicks from 30 yards out after Burrow is denied the endzone. It’s good, and the Bengals cut the lead in half on a crucial scoring drive.
Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 9:10 2nd quarter
Now Burrow finds Boyd again! This time it’s 24 yards over the middle. Cincy is approaching the redzone. Important drive here. They needed this after such a lackluster first quarter.
Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 10:51 2nd quarter
Burrow has a man, complete on 3rd & long! Huge catch by Boyd. The drive continues!
Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 11:56 2nd quarter
Burrow is down again! Its QB sack no4! This time it’s George Karlaftis!
I sense a trend.
On 2nd & 14, Burrow throws short and incomplete to Perine. Big third down coming up.
Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 12:19 2nd quarter
Perine stumbles ahead on 3rd & 1 for a first down. Can Cincy get a sustained drive going?
This looks good:
it’s a screen to Wilcox, who runs right and has a first down at the Bengals 47.
Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 14:28 2nd quarter
Burrow starts with a little toss to Chase who runs for eight yards, and more good news: Burrow wasn’t sacked!
Cincy will start at their own 25
Touchback. That’s it. That’s the post.
FIELD GOAL! Bengals 0-6 Chiefs, 14:58 2nd quarter
The field goal is good and the lateral-happy Chiefs double their lead.
That caps a long KC drive, 6:18, 71 yards in 13 plays. They had 110 yards of offense in the first quarter.
Cincy had zero.
Swallow hard 76%.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, end of 1st quarter
Mahomes has time and hits Kelce, who then pump fakes a lateral! What are these guys doing? Good grief!
Kelce is short of the endzone, so here comes Butker for a 23-yard attempt as the quarter comes to a close, one that could have been a lot worse for Cincinnati.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 0:32 1st quarter
KC call a timeout on 3rd & goal from the 19.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 0:37 1st quarter
On 2nd and goal, Pacheco runs into the endzone for a touch…wait there’s a flag.
It’s holding on the offense, called on Wylie. Big break for Cincy there! That pushes them back to the 19.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 0:41 1st quarter
Wow! Mahomes hits Kelce, who laterals it to Jerick Mckinnon who drops the ball on the 20 and falls on it! That was totally bananas, a lot of risky razzle dazzle at this stage of the game. They got away with one there did KC.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 2:57 1st quarter
It’s 3rd & 1 on the 35, Hardman’s forward progress means he has the first down, but he is punished by Taylor-Britt. Man, what a brutal hit that was!
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 4:53 1st quarter
Pacheco takes a screen pass and runs for it! He takes a head of steam into the Bengals end – that’s an 18-yard gain.
Where is the Bengals D?
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 6:16 1st quarter
Burrow down again! It’s KC’s third sack and this time it’s Chris Jones, who gets his first playoff sack according to CBS television in the US. The Chiefs defense looks angry.
Following the punt, it’s Chiefs ball at their 28-yard-line.
Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 7:22 1st quarter
Another sack of Burrow. Wow – Gay and Clark share the plaudits on that play. It’s 3rd & 13!
No wait, it’s 3rd & 18 – a delay of game is called on Cincy. It’s very loud and tough to communicate in “Burrowhead”.
FIELD GOAL! Bengals 0-3 Chiefs, 8:50 1st quarter
It’s good and the Chiefs take the lead. More importantly, Mahomes looks as if he can throw, and throw well. We haven’t seen him run yet though.
The Bengals will restart from the 40 after a solid kickoff return.
Meanwhile, Sneed is being evaluated for a head injury, which is not good.
The call stands!
No touchdown, the ball hit the ground. Instead, it’s a 43-yard field goal attempt from Butker.
Under review - touchdown?
On 3rd & 5 at the Bengals 25, Mahomes is looking for Toney in the endzone on the far sideline! It looks like a touchdown, but they’re calling it incomplete on the field. Wow! That’s a perfectly thrown football right there.
KC is going to challenge and the crowd is more than happy with Coach Reid’s decision to do so. I think the football might have hit the turf but let’s see what the refs say.
Bengals 0-0 Chiefs, 10:11 1st quarter
So, how does Mahomes look? So far so good! Back-to-back receptions, the latest to Kelce for 16 yards, which puts the Chiefs into Bengals territory!
I’ll have what he’s had please.
Bengals 0-0 Chiefs, 12:11 1st quarter
Burrow is running on 3rd & 4, and he has a first down!
Except there’s a flag: Hakeem Adeniji moved in the line and that’s a false start.
So it’s 3rd & 9 and Burrow is in trouble! Frank Clark throws him to the ground for a quarterback sack! The crowd roars because KC has held!
The Chiefs take over on their 36 after the punt.
Bengals 0-0 Chiefs, 13:37 1st quarter
Perine carries on the ground for Cincy for six yards to the 37, but of greater concern is fantastic KC corner L’Jarius Sneed who is shaken up on the play. He’s a vital defensive cog for the Chiefs secondary, so we’ll keep you updated on his status.
Bengals 0-0 Chiefs, 13:37 1st quarter
On 2nd and 7, Burrow hits Chase over the middle, up to the 30, for their first, first down. Burrow is already warm.
We're off!
KC kicks off, and they’ll get the ball after the half. Let’s go!
Let’s talk about the weather…
…because we just love to talk about it. It’s -6c and 21f. And it doesn’t matter at all because it never does. Players move, keep warm, and it’s totally fine!
USA!
Retired US Navy petty officer 1st class Generald Wilson just performed a dazzling version of the National Anthem, the best I’ve heard in a very long time in fact. That is absolutely a 9.5 out of 10, the highest I’ve given in a very, VERY long time.
It sounded something like this.
The 76%
So of course I’m not alone in predicting the Chiefs demise – as it turns out some 76% of folks picking this game for money like the Bengals! This is even more remarkable as CBS Sports reports that “Mahomes has been favored in all 12 of his previous playoff starts. That is the longest streak to begin a career in the Super Bowl era.”
You know what this means right? We’re all going down!
At least we all have each other! All 76% of us!
Who is going to win this thing?
As if Cincy wasn’t already bouncing off the news that the long sought after Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project would finally move forward, just wait until they book a second consecutive Super Bowl after beating the Chiefs, again, in their backyard. I like the Bengals in something of a cake walk, 31-21, with Mahomes suffering through a tough outing on one leg.
What say you? Well, reader Bill Preston writes:
I think this is going to be one of wild swings. The Bengals are going to start strongly, get a proper stomp on through the first three quarters, but the Chiefs have strength in depth, and most of all, resolve. They’ll put together wily plays, coupled with thrilling heroics and steal this one.
So we agree to disagree, and that’s fine!
The Eagles are in!
Read all about it!
Don’t ever make him mad…
Just in case you didn’t think all this “Burrowhead” stuff wasn’t making a mark out there, well, just listen to the Chiefs indomitable defensive tackle Chis Jones:
#Chiefs DT Chris Jones ends his press conference:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 27, 2023
"See you all at Burrowhead Stadium." pic.twitter.com/cRob95zRaK
I don’t think you want to give Mr Jones something to get mad about. Especially when his impact on defense will have a lot to do with who wins this game.
Mahomes (Brittany) and the Mayor
Meanwhile, as if the tension between these two teams isn’t enough, Pat Mahomes’ wife Brittany has gotten in on the taunting of Cincinnati’s Mayor Aftab Pureval, who is catching heat for a taunting pre-game video in which he said:
”Whereas Joseph Lee Burrow.. who’s 3-0 against Mahomes has been asked by officials to take a paternity test.. to confirm whether or not he’s his father.”
That had a lead balloon effect online, and so Hizzoner asked for a something of a mulligan. Brittany was definitely not impressed.
WEAK. & embarrassing. https://t.co/rOXixjtKgL
— Brittany Mahomes (@BrittanyLynne) January 27, 2023
Updated
Hello!
Hi folks and welcome to our coverage of the American Football Conference Championship game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s hard to argue against this being the best of the AFC’s best, so there’s a lot to look forward to over the next few hours. When it’s over, we’ll know who is facing the soon-to-be NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently routing the San Francisco 49ers, in Super Bowl LVII on 12 February in Arizona.
We’re incredibly close to finally learning the true health of Chiefs quarterback Pat Mahomes II. KC’s motor has been slow at practice this week thanks to suffering a high ankle sprain suffered against the Jaguars last week. Mahomes pushed through against a young inexperienced Jacksonville squad, but turning that trick against these Bengals will be significantly more challenging. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told the press corps that “He looks good. He’s moving around good”, but he’s not going to come out and say he’s a “useless gimp”. So here’s what we do know: they are going to pump him up with as much pain killing serum as they can to keep him on the field and functioning, and that the Bengals will take any shot they can at Mahomes’ achy right ankle. Such are the stakes.
Meanwhile, Bengals QB Joe Burrow has the momentum of a franchise record season behind him, one in which he set a Cincinnati mark with 35 touchdowns tosses this season. Burrow also owns a 3-0 record against these Chiefs and is probably one of the most confident players on the planet right now. He also has better wide receivers to throw to than Mahomes, with the capable trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins. Mahomes has tight end Travis Kelce, who has had a monster season operating inside the NFL’s top offense. However, it’s also worth noting what he no longer has: Tyreek Hill.
That’s the QB situation: we’ll take a look at some of the other fun factors leading up to kickoff, but for now, settle in, drink your drink, and if you like, drop me a line. Tweet me or email me your predictions, feelings and thoughts and I’ll make you famous!
David will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a preview of this evening’s game.
AFC Championship Game (Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday 6.30pm EST/11.30pm GMT)
Story of the season: The Kansas City Chiefs went 14-3 in the regular season, thus earning the all-important bye week in the AFC. In their first postseason game, they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20 despite the fact that quarterback Patrick Mahomes injured his ankle during the game and missed part of the second quarter. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, who upset the Chiefs in last year’s AFC title game, had to take the scenic route after going a mere 12-4 in the regular season. They defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 at home and, even more impressively, took on the Buffalo Bills on the road and beat them 27-10.
What the Bengals need to do to win: The offensive line has to prove that their remarkable performance against the Bills wasn’t a fluke. On Sunday, Cincinnati’s slapped-together o-line did a masterful job protecting Burrow, who was only sacked once. It’s not certain whether either Alex Cappa or Jonah Williams will return, so their backups may need to come up with a repeat performance against a defense that will be better prepared than the Bills.
What the Chiefs need to do to win: Mahomes needs to be at least 80% of his best. It was remarkable when Mahomes returned in the second half against the Jaguars with a high ankle sprain and led the Chiefs to victory, but if he’s still hobbled it’s going to be tricky to beat a Bengals team that has been in this position before.
Key player for the Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB. Let’s not overthink this one. Burrow had 35 touchdowns in the regular season, tied for second place, and 4,475 passing yards. He’s also in just his third season as a pro even though his playoff success makes one think he’s been around longer. It’s quite possible that we are somehow underrating Burrow.
Key player for the Chiefs: Chris Jones, DT. If it comes down to the Chiefs defense v the Bengals offense, Jones could end up being the difference maker. In the 2022 regular season, Jones had 15 and a half sacks although, oddly enough, he has yet to have one in the playoffs across his entire career. Sunday would be the ideal time for his first.
Prediction: Bengals over Chiefs. If Mahomes were healthy, it would be difficult to pick against the Chiefs at home despite the fact that he is 1-3 against Burrow’s Cincinnati in his career, including that memorable collapse during last year’s AFC Championship Game. It doesn’t look as if he will be, however, so there’s a very real possibility that his record will fall to 1-4. Either way, we could be seeing one of the NFL’s all-time great rivalries blossoming in front of us.
