The Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) and the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) are both vying for a spot in the playoffs. And they will face each other in a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game.

Despite not having the same quarterback matchup as before, with Jake Browning leading the Bengals, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs cannot underestimate their opponents in Week 17, especially after their 20-14 loss to the Raiders. So, let’s find out how the two teams are coming off this time, digging into the injuries, predictions, and more.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Injuries and star players

Joe Burrow has been the starting QB for the Bengals ever since he was drafted. However, a month ago, he suffered a season-ending wrist injury, leading to Jake Browning taking over the role. Browning will be playing against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs for the first time. This season, Browning has accumulated 1583 passing yards, averaging 226.1 yards per game. In addition to these stats, he has thrown for eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

The next player to look out for in the Bengals is Dax Hill. The team’s offense has maintained its productivity even with Burrow leaving the stage. The problem lies with their defense or run game, as they struggle to stop the run, allowing multiple explosive plays on defense. To make it to the postseason, the Bengals need a significant improvement in their defense, and it all starts with safety Hill. With Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell out of the team, Hill must take up their position effectively.

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On the other hand, if the Chiefs want to succeed in the playoffs, someone other than Rashee Rice has to play a significant role. Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, or Sky Moore don’t seem to be the answer. So, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of Justin Watson to step up, and by seeing his performance, the Chiefs can just keep their fingers crossed. He ranks second in receiving yards (419).

Ahead of the game, both teams have released their final injury report for the Week 17 game.

Chiefs injury report:

CB L’Jarius Sneed (Calf) – Questionable
RB Isiah Pacheco (Concussion / Shoulder) – Questionable
WR Mecole Hardman (Thumb) – Questionable
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Illness) – Questionable

T Donovan Smith (Neck) and WR Kadarius Toney (Hip) are out of the Week 17 game.

Bengals injury report:

WR Ja’Marr Chase (Shoulder) – Questionable
CB Jalen Davis (Groin) – Questionable

No players are out for the game. QB Joe Burrow (wrist) is out of the season now, and former backup QB Browning is replacing him.

Suspensions

No suspensions are made for any players for the Chiefs vs. Bengals game on Sunday, December 31.

Predictions

Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium clash against their biggest rivals is a “must-win” situation to secure a playoff berth. On the other hand, Bengals’ Ja’Marr has already stirred the pot with his friendly critique of the Chiefs’ secondary. While the AFC North Division is looking forward to extending its record against the Chiefs, the latter is a big-time home favorite. According to FOX Sports, the Chiefs are going to win against the Bengals with 24-18. While we won’t see a Burrow-Mahomes thriller like January, numbers are certainly favoring the Chiefs.

Bengals vs Chiefs: Where to watch?

Date: Sunday, December 31
Kickoff Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Broadcast on: CBS, WKRC-TV (Channel 12)
Stream: Fubo (free trial), NFL+, Paramount+
Forecast: Cloudy, 34 degrees

The Chiefs have played against the Bengals 33 times, which includes 2 postseason games as well. The Bengals have defeated the Chiefs 18 times, and the Chiefs have upset the former in 15 games. Last time when they met in the AFC championship game in Kansas City, on January 29, 2023, the Red Army defeated the Bengals with a score of 23-20.

Both teams are coming off a loss. The Bengals lost to the Steelers 34-11, and the Chiefs lost to the Raiders 20-14.

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