Ja'Marr Chase Says Bengals Are 'Team to Beat in the AFC' Ahead of Chiefs Game

Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase is holding his team to a high standard ahead of a Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

"We're the team to beat in the AFC," Chase said on Thursday, according to Pro Football Network's Jay Morrison. "We need to act like it, and we need to play like it."

While the Bengals won the AFC and made a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021-22, it's hard to argue that they're still the top team in the conference. The Chiefs have won the AFC Championship Game in four of the past five seasons to go along with three Super Bowl titles.

Cincinnati is also coming off a disappointing Week 1 defeat at the hands of the New England Patriots, scoring just one touchdown in a 16-10 loss. Chase caught all six of his targets for 62 yards in the game.

Kansas City fared much better to start the 2024 season, taking down the Baltimore Ravens by the final score of 27-20.

The two teams have developed a rivalry over the past few seasons, as the Bengals beat the Chiefs in the AFC title game to secure their spot in Super Bowl 56. The following year, Kansas City defeated Cincinnati to win the conference before emerging victorious in Super Bowl 57.

Both squads faced off once again in Week 17 of the 2023 season, with the Chiefs coming out on top. It's worth noting that Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow didn't suit up due to a wrist injury.

Chase has leaned into the rivalry between the two teams in the past, refusing to say Patrick Mahomes' name as part of an interview for the NFL's top 100 players list in July.

"He's good," Chase said. "He's amazing. He's good. Not gonna lie. I'm salty, though. I'm a little salty. Two years in a row. I'm putting [Joe] Burrow first."

The 24-year-old will look to back up his latest words on Sunday, as Kansas City hosts Cincinnati. Kickoff is at 4:25 p.m. ET.