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Edgar Chaput
Bengals vs. Chiefs Point Spread: NFL Conference Championships Odds, Prediction
Not only are the recent histories of these franchises rich in drama, but several of the chapters directly involve their blossoming rivalry.
As of Jan. 24, the NFL pundits have pinned the Bengals as slight -2.5 favourites on the NFL odds. Fireworks are expected, with an over-under of 46.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Not so long ago there wasn’t much to get excited about when discussing Cincinnati versus Kansas City. The last 12 months have changed everything. It all began just after New Year’s Day 2022 when the Bengals sealed the AFC North division title with a mesmerizing come-from-behind 34-31 victory.
Weeks later fans witnessed one of the more memorable AFC Championship games of the past decade when Cincy once again mustered an improbable comeback. Down 21-3 deep into the second quarter, Joe Burrow and company would not be deterred, ultimately sending the Arrowhead faithful back home, heads bowed, with a 27-24 overtime win.
A similar result came this past regular season when the Chiefs paid the Bengals a visit in December. Kansas City took a 24-17 lead into the final frame, yet fate would smile on the Bengals once more as they scored 10 unanswered points to walk away as victors, 27-24.
For all the hooting and hollering surrounding Andy Reid’s side, the truth is the Bengals have their number. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Well, this is the Chiefs’ fourth shot at the Bengal in two seasons. Let’s see what happens.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Divisional round game on Sunday in Buffalo was season-affirming and cathartic. Heading into the tilt, every NFL fan was keenly aware of the aborted Monday Night match from a few weeks prior. Through absolutely no one’s fault, the Bengals never managed to build upon the early 7-0 lead which suggested they had come ready to test themselves against the oft-favoured Bills.
Well, a new lease on the opportunity beckoned on Sunday afternoon amid a wintry storm. Cincinnati came, saw, and conquered. The 27-10 victory was never in doubt. Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase and Hayden Hurst on two first-quarter touchdowns that made Buffalo’s defence look hapless, lost in the snow if you will. Cincy amassed an incredible 30 first downs on the afternoon, led the time-of-possession battle 33:53 to 26:06, outrushed the Bills 172 to 63 (!) and was indisputably the more disciplined squad (two penalties for nine yards to Buffalo’s eight for 60). All the hoopla heading to the tilt was for naught. Honestly, it was never much of a game.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is making a habit of winning big games in a variety of ways, facing multiple challenges head-on. It can entail a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in a Super Bowl, Houston racing out to a 24-0 lead in a Divisional game, being pushed to the limit by the Bills, or taking on the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars with Patrick Mahomes hopping on one leg.
The ankle injury the star QB suffered in the first quarter of Saturday’s contest could have spelled doom and gloom, but the Chiefs had been there before, and the Jags had not. Chad Henne of all people filled in for a couple of drives, one of which ended with a 1-yard TD toss to ultimate warrior Travis Kelce. Kansas City’s defence held Jacksonville’s attack at bay when it mattered most (Mahomes’ absence) and still some more in the third frame. Isiah Pacheco continued to make a name for himself, earning a 7.9 average on 12 totes. The final score read 27-20, but it didn’t feel as close as a one-score game.
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