Three biggest factors in Bengals-Chiefs Week 2 matchup

The NFL has announced that the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 of the 2024 season.

It is a much-anticipated matchup as Burrow vs. Mahomes has quickly become one of the league's best rivalries.

Here are the three biggest factors that could decide the outcome of this latest installment.

1. QB Joe Burrow's health

Burrow's 2023 season did not end how he imagined. The former No. 1 overall pick suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11 and underwent surgery shortly after.

He seems to be on track to be ready to go come Week 1, but health has been the biggest question about Burrow's NFL career thus far. He also tore his ACL in his rookie season.

If he is and can stay healthy, that may be enough to propel the Bengals to a win. Burrow is 3-1 (regular season and playoffs) against the Chiefs while passing for 1,252 yards, nine touchdowns and just three interceptions.

2. QB Patrick Mahomes' rapport with new receivers

Kansas City led the league in dropped passed (44) last season. That resulted in the team revamping its wide receiver room with the likes of veteran Marquise Brown and first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

Although Brown and Worthy bring massive upside to the Chiefs offense, it will take time for them and Mahomes to build their rapport. If they struggle to find a connection early, Cincinnati could have the upper hand.

Second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice would be a familiar face in the passing game, but his status is up in the air after he was involved in a multi-car collision in March and an alleged assault at a Dallas nightclub in early May.

3. Statuses of WR Tee Higgins and DE Trey Hendrickson

Higgins and Hendrickson have both requested to be traded this offseason as they are looking for a long-term commitment from the Bengals.

However, it seems Cincinnati has been able to dodge both requests after showing zero interest in entertaining them.

Higgins revealed he has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension in about a year but still "anticipates" playing for the Bengals in 2024.

Hendrickson doesn't have any guaranteed money attached to the last two years on his current deal. However, he took part in the team's voluntary workout on Monday.

There is still a lot of time between now and the start of the season for something to change. If one or both players are eventually dealt, it would be a big blow to the Bengals chances.