What we learned from Chiefs’ win vs. Bengals that clinched AFC West, playoff seed
The Kansas City Chiefs — for the eighth straight season — are AFC West champions.
And as a result, their starters are likely to get a week’s rest before the most important games ahead.
KC’s offense had a bounce-back effort in Sunday’s 25-17 home victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, as the Chiefs flashed big plays in the passing game and overall efficiency while averaging 7 yards per play.
The result, coupled with Buffalo’s win over New England earlier in the day, means KC’s playoff spot is secure. The Chiefs will be the AFC’s No. 3 seed, playing a to-be-determined opponent in two weeks.
This means if Chiefs coach Andy Reid plays it like he has in the past, the Chiefs will likely have a few of their main guys in during next week’s season finale at the Los Angeles Chargers.
KC’s offense showed many positive signs. The run game was back, averaging 6 yards per rush. Mahomes also was more composed a week after admitting he wasn’t trusting his playcalls, receivers or offensive line.
Sunday’s most significant difference, however, was the re-emergence of the Chiefs’ deep passing game. Mahomes had a deep shot to Justin Watson for 41 yards, then on the game’s biggest play in the third quarter, hit Rashee Rice for a 67-yard gain down the right sideline.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker went 6 for 6 on field goal attempts, and the Chiefs defense added six sacks to help seal the win.
The Chiefs trailed 17-13 at halftime while haunted by many of their previous ghosts.
That included a costly turnover. Mahomes was strip-sacked by Trey Hendrickson on a third-and-long in KC territory, which led to a Bengals second-quarter touchdown drive.
Another drop hurt, too. The Chiefs were driving when a Mahomes throw was dropped over the middle by Marquez Valdes-Scantling, leading to a streaming of boos from the hometown fans.
KC’s defense had a rough start as well. Cincinnati scored on each of its first three drives, which included a 75-yard touchdown march that quarterback Jake Browning completed with a 1-yard run.
After that one, CBS cameras also caught another skirmish on the Chiefs sideline, as linebacker Willie Gay screamed at teammate Charles Omenihu with linebackers coach Brendan Daly holding him back.
The Chiefs (10-6) will end the regular season at the Chargers on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. Central on CBS.
This story was originally published December 31, 2023 at 6:33 PM.
