Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals Stat Ahead of Week 2 Clash…
Sunday’s matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals marks the next chapter in their growing rivalry. The Chiefs are 1-0 after defeating an AFC North team, while the Bengals are 0-1 following a surprising loss to the New England Patriots. As both teams prepare for Week 2, let’s examine the key stats that could shape the game.
Offensive Comparison
Both Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow enter this season with something to prove. Mahomes, despite winning another Super Bowl, seeks to bounce back from a slightly below-par season by his standards. Meanwhile, Burrow, recovering from last year’s injury, is aiming to lead the Bengals back to the playoffs.
In Week 1, the Chiefs scored 27 points and gained 353 total yards, ranking 11th in both categories. They rank 3rd in passing offense but struggle with rushing, sitting at 28th. Mahomes threw one interception against the Ravens.
The Bengals, meanwhile, had a slow start, managing only 10 points and 224 yards, both ranking in the bottom five. Without key players like Tee Higgins and with Ja’Marr Chase dealing with contract distractions, the Bengals’ offense struggled, with Burrow failing to surpass 200 passing yards. Cincinnati ranks 21st in passing and 30th in rushing, also recording two turnovers.
Defensive Comparison
The Chiefs’ defense was shaky in Week 1, allowing 452 total yards, the most in the league. However, they excelled in the red zone, ranking 12th in scoring defense, despite low rankings in passing (28th) and rushing defense (31st). They forced one turnover via a fumble recovery.
Cincinnati’s defense showed promise despite allowing a big rushing day to the Patriots. They rank 6th in scoring defense, allowing 16 points, and 3rd in passing defense. However, their rushing defense is weak, ranking 27th, and they failed to record a takeaway.
September Trends
The Chiefs and Bengals have had contrasting Septembers. Kansas City is 16-4 in September games since Mahomes took over, while Burrow’s September record is 6-8-1. Bengals coach Zac Taylor struggles early in the season, with a 1-10 record in Weeks 1 and 2, while Andy Reid’s teams traditionally start strong.
Recent Matchups
Mahomes and Burrow have faced off four times, with Burrow winning three of those matchups. Two of those games were AFC Championship Games, with each team winning one. Last year, the Bengals’ backup QB Jake Browning started against Kansas City due to Burrow’s injury.
As the Bengals try to avoid an 0-2 start, they face a tough challenge against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
