Chiefs Vs Bengals: Final Headlines, X Factors

The time for talking is almost done before Sunday’s kickoff. The Kansas City Chiefs are set to travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. To say that this game has massive implications on the AFC playoff picture, would be an understatement. A Chiefs win would lead to Kansas City creating more room for their chances at clinching the AFC’s number one seed. Whereas with a Bengals win, Cincinnati helps turn the AFC playoff picture upside down into even more chaos. Entering Sunday, Kansas City sits at 9-2 and Cincinnati sits at 7-4.

We have discussed key matchups and gameplans all week long. What are the final headlines to watch for before Sunday’s kickoff? We will list those, along with players to watch for, who could be viewed as under the radar x factors entering the game from both the Chiefs and the Bengals. Let’s kick it off.

Final Headlines

Is Kansas City More Dangerous After Last Year’s Losses To Cincinnati?

Obviously, the Kansas City Chiefs have enjoyed a long stretch of winning over the last handful of seasons. They are once again in great position to possibly host another AFC Championship Game, assuming they get home field advantage and take care of business. Despite their recent dominance, especially in November and December, Kansas City seems to face growing scrutiny when taking on challengers that previously downed them at least once before. Give the Bengals credit. Not only did Cincinnati beat the Chiefs once last season, but they did it twice. Their roster creates plenty of stress against top teams.

Nevertheless, Kansas City appears to flash and answer when being doubted heavily. Many people are believing in Cincinnati getting a third-straight win over the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs. Rightfully so, this team has had this game against the Bengals circled for quite some time. Kansas City arguably made many of their roster moves this past offseason in order to defeat Cincinnati.

Quietly, the Chiefs have also been incredibly successful when facing many tough challenges on the road, to boot. They are 24-5 on the road in the last four seasons combined. That is the best road win percentage (.828) in the NFL over the last four seasons, according to CBS Sports. Given their self-inflicted wounds against the Bengals last year, and their history of bouncing back against teams, the Chiefs may be more dangerous this time around.

Can Bengals Start Fast?

This question is vital, when looking back at how last year’s games played out between Kansas City and Cincinnati. Each time, the Chiefs built a favorable lead in the first half. The efficiency that was used to create the comeback, along with Kansas City’s blunders, displayed just how brilliant the Bengals can be. Yet, starting fast is much more important against this year’s version of the Chiefs.

Kansas City has had their fair share of slow starts, at least earlier in the season. In addition, the Chiefs have seen certain position groups or units fail to find consistent footing. Kansas City has shown alterations and adjustments to their offensive attack, though. Furthermore, the Chiefs have been among the league’s best in points allowed late in games. According to CBS Sports, KC has allowed the third-lowest amount of second half points since Week 8 (27 points allowed). Only the San Francisco 49ers (zero points allowed) and the New York Jets (26 points allowed) have allowed less in that timeframe.

Kansas City has been able to sit on leads, get off of the field and creates takeaways or pressure late. Certainly, the Bengals have a dynamic quarterback in Joe Burrow and a unique cast of wide receivers. We know this team can hit on explosive plays in an instant. However, a slow start against the Chiefs may result in a different outcome this year.

Is Chiefs Defense Able To Meet Challenge Of Bengals Passing Attack?

Easily, the matchup between the Chiefs rookie cornerbacks and the Bengals wide receivers are the most vital in this game. Kansas City added plenty of length, physicality and tenaciousness with Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson. We also know how versatile L’Jarius Sneed can be in the Chiefs defense. With McDuffie, he makes up for a lack of elite length with exceptional athleticism and long speed, which will matter greatly against Cincinnati. We have also seen steady improvement from both Williams and Watson with instincts at the catch point and their ball skills.

On the other hand, the trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are a relentless group of pass catchers. All three can either attack with violent route running or savvy route running. Add in their ability to separate quickly and keeping them from getting ample yards after the catch becomes difficult. With this Bengals team being so lethal in contested catch situations, Kansas City will have to remain under control, communicate and work to keep plays in front of them.

X Factors

Chiefs WR Skyy Moore

Over the last two weeks, Skyy Moore has started to see more chances in the passing game. He has five catches on six targets in each of the last two games, combining for 10 catches on 12 targets in that span. You are seeing Moore’s confidence grow. But also, his versatility and athleticism are shining through nicely as well. The Chiefs are using him extensively in the short to intermediate passing game. With continued touches and targets, it is only a matter of time before Moore hits on more explosive plays and gets into the end zone.

Bengals SAF Vonn Bell

Most people will focus on Jessie Bates, when looking at the Bengals safety group. Yet, Vonn Bell remains a commanding veteran on the backend. His hitting power and physicality at the catch point lead to turnovers and nervousness for opposing pass catchers. Given his ability to make plays and stops from all over the field, Kansas City must be aware of where he is at all times. If the Bengals are in need of a momentum swing, Cincinnati can seemingly always rely on Bell to come through.

Chiefs LB Willie Gay

Willie Gay has not missed a step since returning from his four-game suspension. If anything, he has mostly been in better position to make stops. That is especially true, when you consider his range and ability to chase down plays in space. Given the amount of screen passes and wide zone runs that the Bengals use with their running backs, Gay may be counted on to make more plays in the open field. Executing his tackle attempts and creating quick initial reads could very well be a difference-maker in if the Chiefs win or lose.

Bengals TE Hayden Hurst

Hayden Hurst has been a tremendous addition to the Bengals passing attack this season. With his current pace, he should finish with new single-season career highs in targets, receptions and receiving yards. More importantly for Cincinnati, Hurst can win in a variety of ways. He understands how to quickly find soft spots in zones and sit as a security blanket for Burrow. Elsewhere, Hurst can win as a vertical field stretcher in the middle of the field. Do not count out his ability to be a difference-maker as a run blocker, either. No matter how sneaky he is, Hurst can leave defenses looking silly with simple offensive play calls by the Bengals.

Be on the lookout for our FPC Chiefs recap and reaction articles following Sunday’s game. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.