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One of the best games of the season went down on Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams came into the game with big implications regarding the playoff picture.
With the Bengals victory, they clinched the AFC North, while the Chiefs dropped to the no. 2 seed in the AFC. Joe Burrow had a phenomenal game and led the Bengals downfield on a game-winning drive. The game had a playoff-type atmosphere, and the two teams could meet again in the postseason.
Here are three Bengals takeaways from their thrilling Week 17 victory to end the Chiefs' winning streak and win the AFC North.
3. Joe Burrow is a top-five quarterback
Joe Burrow has had an amazing season and has emerged as a top quarterback in the league. This is not an easy feat as the NFL is a quarterback league, and there are many talented ones.
In the Bengals' crucial game against the Chiefs, Burrow threw for 446 yards along with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Burrow outperformed Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and led his team to victory.
He has thrown for 4,611 yards on the season, paired with 34 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. These are fantastic numbers and they show how great of a QB he is. This is only his second campaign in the NFL and he is primed to have many more great seasons ahead.
2. Ja'Marr Chase was well worth the pick
When the Bengals selected Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, many questioned why they didn't draft an offensive lineman. Well, clearly, the decision to get Chase was well worth it.
Although it wasn't good from the start as he struggled with drops in the preseason, he has become an elite wide receiver. Against the Chiefs, Chase had 11 receptions for 266 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with Burrow is near unstoppable, and they have instant chemistry in the NFL as they played together at LSU
While there were many good choices available in this year's draft, the selection of Chase was the right call.
1. Bengals will win a playoff game
Although the Bengals have not made it to the postseason since 2015, they could make a run this season. Even when they made the NFL Playoffs, they have struggled to win. The Bengals have not won a playoff game since the 1990-91 season when they defeated the Houston Oilers in the Wild Card round.
Their victory over the Chiefs proved that they could be dangerous in the postseason. The offense is elite with Burrow under center and a great wide receiver trio and running back. While Chase has been their top receiver, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have also played vital roles.
Running back Joe Mixon has also contributed in a major way, rushing for 1,205 yards and 13 touchdowns. Against the Chiefs, he had 12 carries for 46 yards and caught seven passes for 40 yards. His ability to be a threat in the rushing and receiving game makes him a very impactful player.
It's an exciting time to be a Bengals fan as they are finally back in the playoffs. The young nucleus they have built over the past few seasons has panned out. Their young coach Zac Taylor has been great at drawing up plays for the talented offense. He has flipped the script from being regarded as a bad coach to being in the Coach of the Year conversation.
The Bengals have a lot to be happy about this season but have more work to do in the playoffs.
