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The Kansas City Chiefs extended their season with an impressive comeback against the Buffalo Bills as they punched a ticket to their fourth straight AFC Championship Game. However, it won't be a cakewalk for Andy Reid and his men as they are set to host a gritty Cincinnati Bengals squad for the right to advance to Super Bowl 56.
Surely enough, the Chiefs have a huge advantage as the more experienced team but they should know how to maximize it and not let their guards down at any point in the game. Executing on offense and doubling down on defense, especially against the main stars of the opposing team, should definitely be at the top of the priority list for the Chiefs on Sunday night.
With that said, here are three keys for Kansas City to overcome Cincinnati and book their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance this season:
3. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce must have a high production against the Bengals.
One of the reasons why the Chiefs managed to keep it close with the Bills last week was due to the production of both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The pass-catcher led the receivers with 150 yards on 11 touches and a TD while the tight end followed with 96 yards on eight catches and a touchdown of his own.
Even during snaps when they weren't the primary options, the two players still managed to contribute as they attracted the attention of defenders with their mere presence. Surely enough, the Bengals' defense will keep an eye on both Hill and Kelce and it is up to them to find ways to be productive and score touchdowns on the field.
If they manage to come out with huge numbers then the Chiefs will surely be in a good position to win the game against a less-experienced Bengals squad.
2. The defense must get back on the right track and limit the Chiefs' offense.
Unlike their high-octane offense, the Chiefs' defense has evidently struggled over the past few weeks, especially towards the tail-end of the regular season. Star safety Tyrann Mathieu entering the concussion protocol only made things worse for the unit though he is already set to return to action in the near future.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his men can't afford to be lax against the Bengals as they have multiple players to watch out for on Sunday night. For one, their pass rush has to be at its best in order to contain the production of QB Joe Burrow. The sophomore playmaker has already proved his effectiveness in the pocket as he managed to lift his team to victory despite getting sacked nine times by the Tennessee Titans defense in their Divisional Round matchup.
The Chiefs' defense also has to keep an eye on Burrow's favorite target in Ja'Marr Chase who has been lighting up the team's passing game all season long. It is already expected that the rookie will find a way to get his numbers but Kansas City must ensure that they will make him uncomfortable and prevent him from getting easy looks, especially in the red zone. Both Burrow and Chase gave the Chiefs a ton of problems in their Week 17 matchup and they would be wise to learn from their mistakes and not let it happen again on Sunday night.
It doesn't stop there as the Chiefs must also track down opposing receivers in Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and C.J. Uzomah who all have been vital contributors for the Bengals this season. Certainly enough, it is a must for KC's defense to play their A-game in order to save themselves from having to go through the eye of a needle just to escape with the victory this time around.
1. Patrick Mahomes must take command of the offensive attack early on.
There would be no AFC Championship Game appearance for the Chiefs this season if it wasn't for the heroic efforts of QB Patrick Mahomes. He was the catalyst of the team's comeback bid against the Bills as he executed their plays to perfection in the final 13 seconds of regulation to eventually win the game for the Chiefs.
Yes, it wasn't a perfect game from the former NFL MVP but he still rose to the occasion right when his team needed him the most. Against the Bengals, Mahomes will have to play with the same level of aggressiveness and eagerness to win early on in order to avoid getting the upset ax from Burrow and company.
Having a good outing on the field coupled with morale support from Chiefs Kingdom will go a long way for the Chiefs' bid to win over the Bengals and book their third straight Super Bowl appearance this season.
