Over the past few years, the Bengals and Chiefs have matched up 4 times. Once in week 17 of the 2021 season, and again in the conference championship of the same year. They would then matchup in week 12 of the 2022 season, and then meet again in the conference championship for the second consecutive year. The Bengals have been on the winning side of all of these games, until this year. Leading into the playoffs, the Chiefs and the Bengals were two of the hottest teams in football. Both teams were favored in their divisional games and semi-final games, which means if everything went to plan, then the two teams would end up meeting again in the Conference championship on January 29th. It was heavily predicted throughout the football world that these two teams would matchup once again, and to little surprise, they did.  And due to the fact that the Bengals had won three previous matchups against the Chiefs, the Chiefs were the underdogs in this game, and underdogs in the playoffs for the first time in years. 

Building up to the game, there was lots of tension between the two teams as Chiefs fans wanted their revenge, but Bengals fans were looking to prove that they were the top dogs in the AFC. There was a lot of chirping between both teams fans on social media, even involving some players. But all of it truly got out of hand when the Cincinnati Mayor called for a paternity test to see if Joe Burrow was Patrick Mahomes father, just because he had beat him in previous matchups. Bengals fans even started referring to Chiefs home stadium as Burrowhead. Many players on the Chiefs stayed silent, until the game at least. It was a very competitive and tense matchup, but the Chiefs would ultimately upset the Bengals in a 23-20 victory. 

The game started out heavily in favor of the Chiefs as they took an early 13-3 lead following two field goals and a Travis Kelce touchdown. However, the Bengals would kick a field goal and then score a rushing touchdown to tie the game in the third quarter. The chiefs would then answer with a touchdown of their own to go up by seven late in the third quarter, leaving the game to come down to the wire. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs had a seven point lead, but the Bengals refused to go down without a fight and were able to score the game tying touchdown. The teams would then trade punts for most of the quarter, but on the Bengals last drive, they would punt to Sky Moore who would have a great return and give the Chiefs phenomenal field position. The Chiefs would pick up a first down which would put them right out of field goal range, but they had little time left on the clock. The Bengals defense was then able to hold up for a few plays, and force a Chiefs third down. On third and 2, Patrick Mahomes would scramble for a first down, but right when he stepped out of bounds, a Bengals defensive end would illegally hit him which resulted in a 15 yard penalty that put the Chiefs in field goal range. With 10 seconds left in the game, Harrison Butkter would nail the game winning field goal, and the Chiefs would advance to the Super Bowl. After the game, Chiefs players reminded everyone that they are not the team to mess with, and that they are ready for whatever is brought to them in the Super Bowl.

While the job in not finished for the Chiefs, this is one of their most important wins in recent history as they proved that they are still the best team in the AFC, regardless of injuries and trades. And while they have a great chance at winning, there are some things to look out for in the Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes ankle injury is probably the most important thing to watch out for as if he overworks himself, they will have to put in their backup. The offensive line is also something to watch out for as the last time they were in the Super Bowl, the line gave up constant sacks and the quarterback was pressured almost every play. The last thing to look out for is their secondary. The are playing against the Eagles, who have one of the best wide receiver  cores in the league, so their defensive backs will have to play very well if they want to win.

To sum things up, the Chiefs have gone through a lot to get to this point, and if they can stay healthy and play to the best if their ability, then they will have another Super Bowl win under their belt.