AFC Championship Game 2023: Winner, Score Predictions for Bengals vs. Chiefs
Will it be as good the fourth time around? That's what fans may be asking as the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to square off for the fourth time in two seasons and in their second-straight AFC Championship Game.
Cincinnati has won the last three matchups with Kansas City, but it has been close. Its three victories have come by a combined nine points. The latest round of the budding Patrick Mahomes-Joe Burrow rivalry promises to be another thriller.
While the quarterbacks headline the matchup, this contest won't be decided by that duel alone. Offensive skill players such as Ja'Marr Chase, Travis Kelce, Tee Higgins and Jerick McKinnon will make their presence felt. The Chiefs and Bengals also feature solid defense.
The Bengals finished the regular season ranked 16th in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. Kansas City finished 11th in yards allowed and 16th in points surrendered.
With a trip to Super Bowl XVII at stake, fans can expect both of these talented squads to leave everything on the field. It will be a can't-miss game, and here's everything you need to know, including scheduling information, the latest odds and some predictions.
Game Info and Odds
1 of 3
Date: Sunday, January 29
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV and Live Stream: CBS, Paramount+
Money Line: Bengals -125 (Bet $125 to win $100), Chiefs +105 (Bet $100 to win $105)
Line: CIN -1
Over/Under: 47
*Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Preview
2 of 3
While Kansas City will hold the home-field advantage, the Bengals have emerged as slight favorites. This should surprise no one, given what transpired last weekend.
The Bengals went into Buffalo and rolled the second-seeded Bills. They dominated both sides of the ball, especially at the line of scrimmage, and cruised to a 27-10 victory.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, merely survived the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars. Thanks to a complete team effort, Kansas City won by a touchdown margin, but they needed a total team effort to do it.
Mahomes suffered an ankle injury late in the first quarter, gave way to backup Chad Henne in the second quarter and returned in the third at less than 100 percent. The injury was confirmed to be a high ankle sprain during the week, though the starter will try to play through it on Sunday.
"He mentioned it to you that he's going to play," Chiefs coach Andy Reid told reporters. "That's his mindset and then we'll just take it day by day and see how he does."
While it would be a shock to see Mahomes not suit up, his mobility will likely be greatly diminished.
The Bengals, though, are dealing with injuries of their own. They lost starting right tackle La'el Collins in the regular season and didn't have starting guard Alex Cappa or left tackle Jonah Williams against Buffalo.
"Improving every day," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said of Cappa and Williams.
While Cappa and Williams may be improving, there's a chance Cincinnati is without three-fifths of its starting offensive line for the second straight game.
Whichever team is capable of handling its injuries is likely to come out as the winner on Sunday.
Prediction
3 of 3
Many of the factors—including quarterback health and recent head-to-head history—favor the Bengals. However, it's impossible to write off Kansas City, especially with its newfound underdog role.
A Reid-led, Mahomes-quarterback Chiefs team at home will be dangerous.
Plus, it's not as if Cincinnati has had its way with the Chiefs. While wins are what matters, Kansas City has had its opportunities to beat the Bengals over the past two seasons.
In what should be another close game, Kansas City's ability to win without a 100 percent Mahomes last week could provide a blueprint here. The merging backfield tandem of Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon can keep the Bengals defense honest, something the Bills largely failed to do last week.
Kansas City can also take advantage of a banged-up Cincinnati line in a way the Bills could not. Buffalo's pass rush sagged after Von Miller (torn ACL) was lost for the season. The Chiefs' pass rush, which logged 55 sacks in the regular season, can present major problems up front.
And the Bengals are unlikely to control the line of scrimmage quite like they did in Buffalo. Kansas City had a week off before facing Jacksonville, and the Bills were drained by the time they faced the Bengals.
"Guys were exhausted during the week and our coaches did the best they could try to modify the week," Buffalo guard Rodger Saffold told reporters. "...you almost run out of gas at some point."
Beating the same team twice in a season is difficult. While this game could easily go either way, the prediction here is Kansas City finds enough gas and motivation to outlast Cincinnati in another instant playoff classic.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Bengals 27
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).
21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
