AFC Game Of The Week
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
Bengals: I’ve been impressed with the start they got off too. Andy Dalton has taken care of the football for the most part and along with A.J. Green, they are still one of the best quarterback/receiver tandems in the league today as they can take over a game at any given time. Joe Mixon has really given them some balance within their offense and their defense has struggled some, but with Burfict back I think things should get better on that side of the football. That was as heartbreaking of a loss as they come last Sunday to the Steelers and that was a game they were in for its entirety until that final offensive play for the Steelers that saw Antonio Brown take it to the house on them. Despite that, they’re 4-2 and still in first place in a crazy, yet interesting AFC North. Over the years, I’ve tried to be sold on them but I just can’t do it because they always have a way of not showing up in big moments when the lights shine the brightest. Marvin Lewis has been there forever and he’s still yet to win a playoff game and the last time they were victorious in the postseason was in January of 1990. They’re looking to bounce back this week against a team in the same position as they are.
Chiefs: You can say what you want about them and about Pat Mahomes, but that kid is made for any game no matter how bright the lights maybe. He was a few snaps away from remaining undefeated and beating Tom Brady on his home field but it didn’t pan out that way. The Chiefs are still in a really good position right now in the AFC West at 5-1 and still in first place. This is still the most electric offense in the National Football League right now and they can score 30 on just about anyone no matter if it’s at home or on the road. As good as they have been offensively, I’m very concerned about them on defense and if the playoffs were to start right now, I would pick them to be one and done because when the postseason comes around, you must be able to stop people and get off the field and they’ve only done that once this season when they played Jacksonville a few weeks ago. They truly miss Eric Berry and his presence because it’s hard to replace a guy who’s your heart and soul and they also miss Justin Houston who’s still their best pass rusher. They will look to get back to its winning ways on Sunday night at home.
Bengals Player To Watch: Joe Mixon– The Patriots ran the football really well on the Chiefs defense on Sunday and the Bengals will need to do the same. Joe can catch the football out the backfield and has no issue, of course, running the ball. This is the best way to keep Mahomes on the sideline.
Chiefs Player To Watch: Reggie Ragland– Remember him? He was the best linebacker in college football and with some key guys missing on the defense, he has to step up and have the guys rally around him. He can rush the passer and stop the run.
Final Analysis: Both teams enter this one after they each lost nailbiters last week. This is a matchup of two first-place teams in the AFC and this was flexed to Sunday night. The Chiefs must do better on the defensive side of the football because the Bengals offense can score and move the football down the field. For the Bengals, trying to contain Tyreek Hill will have to be the main point of emphasis (I know, it’s easier said than done).
Prediction: Chiefs 37 Bengals 27
