Bengals (8-7) at Chiefs (9-6)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

TV: CBS

Spread (BetMGM):

OTB at press time

Bengals’ keys to victory: While Kansas City isn’t as dominant as it has been in recent years (losing to the Raiders in Week 16 proves it), it is still a tough out. Cincinnati will need to exploit every weakness in order to emerge victorious. The Bengals can start by generating an effective pass rush with a four-man blitz to keep QB Patrick Mahomes hemmed in and force turnovers in the secondary. DEs Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard need to put together outstanding performances to lift Cincinnati to victory.

Chiefs’ keys to victory: Kansas City has the benefit of playing against backup QB Jake Browning, who struggled mightily in a loss to the Steelers in Week 16. DBs L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie and Justin Reid should be able to force turnovers when the Chiefs play coverage, and DT Chris Jones could tally multiple sacks if DEs George Karlaftis and Mike Danna can effectively set their edges. After the bad loss to the Raiders, expect the Chiefs to play with an extra edge in this game.

Matchup to watch: Bengals defensive line vs. Chiefs offensive line. Mahomes isn’t playing at an MVP level. The Bengals could get a leg up if they can force Mahomes to make mistakes and turn the ball over. Pressure up front is the best way to manufacture interceptions against K.C. Cincinnati’s front four will need to dominate.

Who wins? Without QB Joe Burrow, the Bengals are something of a paper tiger, even with their stingy defense and the Chiefs reeling a bit.

Chiefs, 29-17