The AFC Championship Game will feature a much-anticipated rematch between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs.
This matchup is quickly becoming a rivalry to remember. The two have met three times since January 2, 2022. Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow are the best quarterbacks in the league. Both franchises had little success before their superstar QBs altered the culture. In fact, Kansas City had one Super Bowl in 1970 before winning in 2020, and Cincinnati has yet to win one. This rivalry could control the AFC for years to come.
The Bengals come in red-hot on a 10-game winning streak while going 8-1-1 against the spread (ATS). The Chiefs have won six in a row while going 2-4 ATS. The line initially opened with Kansas City as a slight favorite, but it has swung to Cincinnati, which is currently a one-point favorite. There’s concern around Mahomes’ ankle injury, and the Chiefs’ last loss came in Week 13 against guess who? The Bengals. We are in for a treat on Sunday.
Let’s check the latest, stats, injury reports, and NFL odds for the Bengals vs Chiefs. We’ve got plenty of NFL lines for the NFL Conference Championship Games.
Bengals vs Chiefs Betting Lines
Bengals Nearing Second Straight Super Bowl Appearance
Following the 24-17 win against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild-Card round, many pulled back on the Bengals. Cincy silenced doubters with a dominant 27-10 win over the Bills in the Divisional Round. The Bengals are in a great spot to make their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance with +250 odds to win it all, which is second behind the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Chiefs could be in trouble after Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the divisional round. Plus, Cincinnati’s multiple defenses has been a problem for Mahomes, who threw two interceptions in last year’s AFC Championship clash.
As usual, the Bengals’ defense is flying under the radar. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo continues to switch up his unit and opted for heavy deception against the Bills. Cincy now ranks fifth in allowed points per game and has allowed 20 points once in the last six games.
Plus, Burrow has continued his high level of play and draws a favorable matchup against the Chiefs, who rank 18th in pass defense. The run game was also excellent last week, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The offensive line could return two starters this week – right guard Alex Cappa (leg) and left tackle Jonah Williams (knee). Everything is headed in the right direction for the Bengals.
Chiefs: Mahomes’ Injury Headlines the Week
Cincinnati has been a constant thorn in Kansas City’s side. The Chiefs have lost three straight against the Bengals, and the offense totaled only three second-half points in two of three games. Will coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy finally figure out the Bengals’ defense?
It could start with the run game. Kansas City ranks ninth in yards per carry and averaged 5.5 yards per carry in Week 13 against the Bengals. Rookie running back Isiah Pacheco has averaged eight yards per carry in the last two games. If the Chiefs can get the run game going, Cincinnati’s secondary, which ranks 24th in allowed passing yards per game, will become even more susceptible. Taking the over for Pacheco’s projected run attempts could be a wise prop bet for this matchup.
Of course, the other major storyline is Mahomes’ health. He was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain against the Jacksonville Jaguars but managed to finish the game. Mahomes’ mobility was not nearly the same, and that could be the case once again against the Bengals. However, he was seen without a walking boot following Wednesday’s presser, which is a major positive.
No walking boot in sight for Patrick Mahomes as he prepares for Sunday 👀
🎥: @MicheleSteele pic.twitter.com/tmyslwKR29
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) January 25, 2023
If this line holds, Kansas City would be the first home underdog in an AFC Championship Game since 2016, when the Denver Broncos took down the New England Patriots. Since 2000, home underdogs in conference championship games are 2-4 outright.
Bengals vs Chiefs Game Injuries
Bengals vs Chiefs Head-to-Head
With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals have won three straight against the Chiefs while going 3-0 ATS. Since 2008, Cincinnati is 7-1 against Kansas City and 2-1 in Arrowhead Stadium.
Bengals vs Chiefs Game Information
- Game: Bengals vs Chiefs
- Date/Time: Sunday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. ET
- Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- How to watch Bengals vs Chiefs?: CBS
Bengals vs Chiefs Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Bengals vs Chiefs Game Weather Conditions
The weather should not be much of a factor on Sunday. The forecast is projecting an overcast evening at 18°F with winds staying around 10 mph.
Bengals vs Chiefs Picks and Prediction
Predicted Score: Bengals 23, Chiefs 20
- Worth Betting on the Moneyline?
Either team offers good profit on the moneyline with the Bengals at -120 and the Chiefs even. With Mahomes banged up, Kansas City can still get the passing game going against Cincinnati’s suspect secondary.
However, I like the Bengals in this one. Cincinnati allowed only 3.3 yards per carry against the Bills. The Chiefs could struggle if their run game is halted, especially with Mahomes’ mobility limited. In addition, the Bengals’ offensive line comes off a dominant performance and the passing attack is as dangerous as ever.
- Worth Betting ATS?
With the Bengals favored by one point, the spread goes hand in hand with the moneyline. You can double up your profits by taking the same team on the moneyline and ATS.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The under seems like the best bet. The Bengals have gone under in three of their last four road games. The Chiefs hit the under in three of the last four. Plus, there’s a good chance both teams make an effort to establish the run, which could lead to fewer possessions.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
Bengals vs Chiefs Trends
Bengals vs Chiefs Edge
Bengals vs Chiefs Results
Bengals vs Chiefs Game Summary
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