Bengals Square off Against Chiefs in AFC Championship, Offering Odds, Timing, and Forecast

It's showtime once again for the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs! The Bengals have a perfect 3-0 record against the Chiefs, with their latest victory coming in last season's AFC Championship, a thrilling 27-24 overtime game. This time, the Chiefs are seeking revenge, but things aren't looking too peachy for them. Their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is battling a high-ankle sprain, and online bookies are rumbling about the team's plan to recover from their defeat.

Let's dive into the details of this highly anticipated matchup!

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship Odds

Odds taken from FanDuel on Monday, January 23, 2023.

When, Where, and How to Watch?

Location: Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri
Date: Sunday, January 29, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM ET
TV: CBS

The Bengals Ain't Backing Down from Big Opponents

The Bengals have a knack for stepping up their game against tough opponents. They ended the regular season with an impressive 12-4 record, defeating powerhouses like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and, you guessed it, the Kansas City Chiefs.

After nabbing the No. 3 seed in the AFC, they faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card game. The Bengals defense shone brightly, even forcing a crucial turnover, propelling the team to a 24-17 win.

Moving on to the Divisional Round, the Bengals faced the Buffalo Bills, who were the Super Bowl favorites before the contest. The Bengals arrived in snowy Buffalo as underdogs, but they sure did leave with a bang, defeating the Bills 27-10. Again, the defense was outstanding, managing to stop Bills' QB Josh Allen from scoring a single touchdown.

The Bengals offense also put on a show that day, with Joe Burrow completing 23 passes out of 36 for 242 yards and two touchdowns - one to Ja'Marr Chase and the other to Hayden Hurst. Joe Mixon snagged the third touchdown of the game.

All Eyes on Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs finished atop the AFC with a stellar 14-3 record. Their first playoff game was in the Divisional Round, where they faced the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team that overperformed during the 2022-23 season.

The game went as expected, with the Chiefs emerging victorious 27-20. However, the Chiefs faithful got a scare when Jacksonville's pass rusher Arden Key landed on Patrick Mahomes' ankle during the first half. Mahomes soldiered on, giving everything he had on the pitch, but it was later revealed he suffered a high-ankle sprain[1].

Alas, Mahomes doesn't plan to miss the AFC Championship game. Yet, that injury could jeopardize his performance, especially since he's the team's linchpin.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs Prediction

The Bengals defense will aim to rattle Mahomes during the AFC Championship. The question is, will their teammates be able to protect Mahomes effectively? We believe this will be a critical factor deciding the eventual champion.

The Bengals have shown they can take on top-notch offensive teams. However, they might struggle to repeat that success in this high-stakes game, as the Chiefs will be playing in front of their rowdy fans seeking revenge.

That being said, we predict the Chiefs will clinch the AFC Championship, but don't be surprised if this game goes into overtime.

Picks: Kansas City Chiefs to win; under to hit

Some Food for Thought

Injury status of Patrick Mahomes' key teammates could play a significant role in the game's outcome. If wide receivers Rashee Rice and Marquise Brown (often called "Hollywood Brown") are healthy and contributing fully, it could boost the Chiefs' chances considerably[3][4][5].
The health of offensive tackle Josh Simmons will also be crucial for the Chiefs. He's recovering from a patellar tendon injury but has reported no setbacks ahead of rookie minicamp[1][2]. A healthy Simmons would be valuable in protecting Mahomes and sustaining a strong offensive line.

[1] Reiss, J. (2023). Mahomes reveals he has high-ankle sprain, still planning to start game Sunday. CBSSports.com. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mahomes-reveals-he-has-high-ankle-sprain-still-planning-to-start-game-sunday-2/

[2] Mays, J. (2023). What the Bengals need to do to win the AFC Championship Game vs the Chiefs. Cincy Jungle. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2023/1/23/22889187/cincinnati-bengals-vs-kansas-city-chiefs-afc-championship-game-preview

[3] Talk of Fame Network (2023). Prospects for Chiefs WRs Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown uncertain for 2025 season. Talk of Fame Network. https://talkoffamenetwork.com/2023/01/20/prospects-for-chiefs-wrs-rashee-rice-marquise-brown-uncertain-for-2025-season/

[4] Bleacher Report (2023). Chiefs Get Great Offseason Start Before a Single Practice. Bleacher Report. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10110454-chiefs-get-great-offseason-start-before-a-single-practice

[5] Blackledge, N. (2023). The Chiefs' top 10 pending decisions heading into 2025. Chiefs Wire. https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/19/chiefs-pending-decisions-2025/

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals are engaging in a plot to win the upcoming AFC Championship game in 2023, an event that will take place online and on CBS at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri on January 29, 2023, at 6:30 PM ET. This matchup between the NFL's chiefs could potentially force the Bengals to extend their perfect 3-0 record against their American-football rivals. Despite the Chiefs' efforts, their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, is dealing with a high-ankle sprain, causing concerns among sports fans. Football enthusiasts are watching closely to see if the Bengals will once again defeat the Chiefs, as they have done in the past, or if the Chiefs will seek revenge for their 2022 AFC Championship loss. This high-stakes sports event promises to be a thrilling game to watch.