The AFC Championship Game on Sunday will feature two very potent teams in the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as two of the NFL‘s best quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
The Bengals seem to be favored by many people, but of course, the Chiefs have a real shot at victory, especially since the contest will take place in their house, Arrowhead Stadium.
These two players could end up deciding which team will advance to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., which will take place on Feb. 12.
Bengals Wide Receiver Tee Higgins
Cincinnati is stacked offensively, and Pro Bowl wideout Ja’Marr Chase is its biggest weapon, as he put up 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season.
Sometimes it is a team’s WR2 who can make all the difference in a big game, and that is what Higgins is for the Bengals.
If the Chiefs’ defensive backs key on Chase a bit too much, it could create an opening for Higgins to make a couple of key plays that could swing things just enough in the Bengals’ direction.
Last year, when Cincinnati got past Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game, Higgins led everyone with 103 receiving yards, but when the two teams faced off in Week 13 this season, he was held to 35 yards.
Patrick Mahomes
As Mahomes goes, so go the fortunes of the Chiefs.
He suffered a sprained ankle in their divisional round victory versus the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, and although he was able to return to the game after sustaining the injury, he seemed to have some trouble moving around.
Still, he was able to adjust and do his thing in crunch time.
We are witnessing one of the greatest performances of Patrick Mahomes’ illustrious career. Throwing jump pass touchdowns on an injured ankle. Don’t take it for granted. #ChiefsKingdom @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/oQnuQhONrJ
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) January 22, 2023
Mahomes’ mobility is one of the things that makes him so elusive, and if that aspect of his game will be limited, the Chiefs could be in for a long evening.
Will Mahomes be able to work his usual matchup, or will his bad ankle make him look more human than usual?
