Cincinnati Bengals fans are hyped up for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game versus the Kansas City Chiefs – perhaps a little too hyped up.
NFL analyst Ryan Clark urged the Bengals’ fan base to settle down a bit when it comes to throwing shade at Kansas City.
The city of Cincinnati better chill out with all of this taunting of Kansas City! Sometimes, you get what you ask for!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) January 28, 2023
This will be a rematch of last year’s title game between the Bengals and Chiefs, in which Cincinnati emerged victorious in overtime.
Early in that extra period, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw an interception, which led to the game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson.
While both Mahomes and Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow played reasonably well, Mahomes threw two interceptions in total and was sacked four times.
The Bengals went on to the Super Bowl, where they narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Rams on a late touchdown by Cooper Kupp, despite holding the lead for much of the second half.
Although one must never count Mahomes out, he is dealing with a sprained ankle, and although he is expected to play, it’s possible the injury will limit some of his mobility, making it easier for Cincinnati’s front seven to pressure him.
In addition, tight end Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ main offensive weapon, is listed as questionable with a back ailment.
This will be their fifth straight appearance in the AFC Championship Game, but when a team has Mahomes under center, even if he’s less than 100 percent, anything less than winning a world championship is considered a failure.
On the other hand, it wouldn’t surprise many people if he leads Kansas City to victory despite his bad ankle.
