The Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC West title with a hard-fought 25-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The game was a true testament to the Chiefs' resilience and determination, as they overcame numerous obstacles to claim their division crown.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that both teams were prepared for an intense battle. The Bengals' defense came out strong, stifling the Chiefs' offense and forcing them into early mistakes. However, Kansas City's defense rose to the occasion, shutting down Cincinnati's potent passing attack and limiting their scoring opportunities.
Ja'Marr Chase was held to three catches for 41 yards while grinding through his shoulder sprain. It was Browning's fewest yards in his six starts in relief of Joe Burrow, but he had them right in the thick of it as they drove to take a 24-13 lead. Browning converted eight of their first 10 third downs against one of the league's top third down defenses and added a scrambling 32 yards. But the Bengals could get just 50 yards the rest of the way after the fourth-down stop midway through the third quarter.
The Bengals (8-8), fighting to avoid postseason elimination, led by 10 early but found themselves trailing 25-17 when Butker hit the last of his field goals — a 46-yarder through blustery wind — with 2:59 remaining in the game.
Four of Butker’s six field goals were from at least 43 yards, including his 54-yarder in the first half.
Jake Browning hit Tyler Boyd over the middle to convert a long fourth down and get them into Kansas City territory. But back-to-back sacks by George Karlaftis and Chris Jones ultimately dashed their hopes.
The Bengals led 17-13 at halftime but were held scoreless for the entire second half. Cincinnati's best scoring chance came on its first drive of the third quarter, when the Bengals attempted a fourth-and-1 at Kansas City's 6-yard line. The Chiefs overwhelmed the Bengals at the line of scrimmage and stopped running back Joe Mixon for a 3-yard loss.
Chase said he wished the Bengals had kicked a field goal to take a 20-13 lead at that point in the game. Taylor said he felt the team needed to go for it in that situation. Regardless, Cincinnati's offense sputtered the rest of the way.
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NFL Week 17 Baltimore Ravens56, Miami Dolphins 19 Cardinals 35, Eagles 31
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