Bengals preparing for ‘biggest game of year’ against Chiefs
The Bengals need to win at least one more game to claim the AFC North title and clinch a playoff berth.
“We know how big of a test this Kansas City game is coming up for us this weekend,” coach Zac Taylor said. “It's far and away the biggest game of the year for us.”
If the Bengals win their Week 17 game and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns Monday night, Cincinnati will win the division. The team could then rest quarterback Joe Burrow and other starters in the regular-season finale against the Browns.
But it won't be easy for Cincinnati as their next opponent is arguably the best in the NFL right now. Kansas City (11-4) is the No. 1 seed in the AFC and has already clinched the AFC West. The Chiefs will still be playing for something, however, as holding onto the No. 1 seed would give them a bye during the first round of the playoffs.
After an underwhelming 3-4 start to the season, the Chiefs have rattled off eight wins. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes' All-pro weapons Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill continue to play at a high level. The Chiefs rank No. 4 in the NFL in points per game (28.1).
Kansas City also ranks No. 4 in scoring defense and is among the league's best at forcing turnovers — No. 4 in takeaways with 28 so far.
“I think they're the best,” said Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd. “They're the hot team right now in the AFC. They are the top team. You know, like I said, if we can beat them guys, then that will let us know how talented and how far we can take this because they're a great team, and they won the AFC championship two years in a row now. So, this is definitely going to be a huge statement game for us.”