6/6 on the field goal for the kicker, and eighth consecutive division title for the Chiefs!
Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) – Cincinnati Bengals (8-8): 25-17
Despite the major difficulties encountered in recent weeks, the calculation was simple for the Chiefs: to win the AFC West and therefore qualify for the Playoffs, one victory was enough. And they went for this victory.
Trailing 17-7 in the first half, Kansas City was able to turn the tide, relying in particular on a defense which mistreated quarterback Jake Browning (6 sacks) in the second period, and an ultra-efficient kicker. The Bengals may have regrets, having been officially eliminated from the Playoff race.
A two-faced Bengals attack
Rather convincing in his role as Joe Burrow's understudy, Jake Browning (19/33 passing, 197 YDS, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD and 32 YDS) started the match perfectly, distributing the ball well while using his legs to chain first downs. Under his leadership, the Bengals largely controlled the time of possession in the first half, scoring a field goal and finding the end zone twice. First through a reception from running back Joe Mixon (21 races, 65 YDS, 1 receiving TD), then by a run from Browning (after a sack-fumble by Trey Hendrickson on Patrick Mahomes). Enough to frustrate the Chiefs defense.
But after the break, it wasn't the same story at all: 5 possessions for Cincinnati, 3 punts, 2 turnovers on fourth attempt, 0 points scored. One of the turning points of the game was in the middle of the third quarter, when the Bengals' offense was stopped on a fourth down while on the opposing six-yard line. The score then read 17-13 for Cincinnati.
The Bengals – not helped by a diminished Ja'Marr Chase – Tee Higgins duo, no longer found the slightest rhythm after that, while Kansas City chained together field goals to take control of the match.
Isiah Pacheco and Harrison Butker in X factors
Having struggled in recent matches, and more generally this season, the Chiefs attack did not necessarily reassure, but it did the essential by putting points on the scoreboard.
One of the big players of the meeting was Isiah Pacheco. In all the good times, the running back accumulated 130 yards rushing as well as 35 receiving, with a touchdown as a bonus. This was necessary to compensate for the low production of Travis Kelce (3 REC, 16 YDS) and a solid but not the most inspired Patrick Mahomes (21/29, 245 YDS, 1 TD, 1 lost fumble). Rookie receiver Rashee Rice also confirmed his current good form with 127 receiving yards.
However, this victory would not have been possible without kicker Harrison Butker. 6/6 on the field goal including 4/4 in the second half, a perfect record to take the Chiefs to victory. Like what, kickers are people too!
The play that clinched the @Chiefs their 8th straight AFC West title #CINvsKC pic.twitter.com/at0acG0ID9
— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2024
