After a weekend of four electrifying divisional round games, it’s time to gear up for an AFC Championship matchup that is likewise expected to be thrilling.
Gidget AlikpalaG_AlikpalaUpdate: Jan 24th, 2022 10:30 EST
Jay BiggerstaffUSA TODAY Sports
If the divisional round matches over the past weekend are any indication of what is to come in the remaining games this season, NFL fans will be in for a treat.
The Cincinnati Bengals won 19-16 over the Tennessee Titans with a last-minute field goal by Evan McPherson, achieving their first-ever playoff win on the road and claiming their first spot at the AFC Championship since 1988.
The AFC Championship. #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/y382qV62pz
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2022
Super Bowl drought
The Bengals have only played in two Super Bowls, so they have a lot of motivation to secure their third appearance. They are also one of twelve teams who have never hoisted a Super Bowl trophy.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs are coming off what has been dubbed one of the best games in NFL history, an exciting 42-36 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills where they earned their fourth straight ticket to the AFC Championship.
Kansas City is now aiming to become only the third franchise to clinch a spot in three consecutive Super Bowls, and are hoping to be get a chance to play for their third Super Bowl victory.
4th straight trip to the AFC Championship for #ChiefsKingdom! 👏 pic.twitter.com/uNJZFOafjg
— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2022
Bengals aim for repeat victory
The Bengals brought down the visiting Chiefs in their regular season clash, 34-31, after bouncing back from a 14-0 deficit. Cincinnati’s defense will be put to a test in their next matchup, and will have to try to contain Mahomes as they did in their last game, where they limited him to 259 passing yards and two scores.
The AFC Championship is expected to be a tight and high-scoring race, with extra possessions possibly shaping its outcome.
Other NFL stories:
Chiefs’ Tyrann Mathieu ruled out after suffering a concussion vs BillsMahomes vs. Allen: the next great NFL quarterback rivalryLast NFL teams standing
How to watch the AFC Championship: Bengals at Chiefs
Date: Sunday, January 30
Time: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
