KEYS TO THE GAME

MAHOMES ON THE MEND

The Chiefs’ All-Pro quarterback practiced as usual this week, and Patrick Mahomes’ ailing right ankle did not appear more heavily taped than the left. His ability to scramble is a big part of his game, though, particularly when it comes to finding time to make off-schedule throws, and any hesitation could be costly for Kansas City’s offense.

“It’s about being a competitor,” Mahomes said this week. “You want to be out there, especially in these games.”

RECHARGED RUN GAME

The Bengals often struggled to run the ball this season, but Joe Mixon dominated the Bills last week, despite an offensive line forced to use a trio of backups because of injuries. He finished with 105yards rushing and a touchdown.

“That’s nothing I’m surprised about,” Mixon said. “At the same time it’s a great thing to be able to contribute in a major way with my teammates in a crucial moment. So as the moments get bigger, I’ve just got to keep elevating my game.”

SPEAKING OF RUNNING

Whatever the limitations on Mahomes because of his ankle, the Chiefs will almost certainly try to help him out by getting their run game going. Isiah Pacheco had 95 yards on just 12carries last week, and the bulk of that came during a 12-play, 98-yard drive when Mahomes was getting examined and backup Chad Henne was in the game.

QUICK RELEASE

A big part of Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s success is getting the ball out quickly, before pass rushers can find a lane and defenders can process what’s happening. His release time averaged about 21⁄2 seconds last week and the Bills sacked him just once.

“We can’t let him sit back in the pocket and get into rhythm throws because that’s when he’s most dangerous,” Chiefs safety Justin Reid said. “You’re not going to win games if you don’t get sacks and turnovers, especially against a team like this.”

INTRIGUING MATCHUPS

The Bengals have one of the league’s best groups of wide receivers, headlined by Ja’Marr Chase, who set the franchise’s single-game record with 266yards receiving in a regular-season win over Kansas City last season. They’ll be facing one of the youngest defensive backfields, which often has three rookie corners and a rookie safety on the field at once.

“Hopefully we’ve grown enough that we can match what they put out there,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “This is an elite group we’re going against. We have to have an elite game. We have to play our best game of the year.”