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After watching last week’s opener against the Patriots, I think it’s safe to say that of all the Bengals’ games in the Joe Burrow era. . . that was one of them. It was a rough game to watch and a tough pill to swallow, losing to a team that is universally regarded as one of the most likely to be drafting first overall, always is. With that said, it’s one loss, don’t let it snowball and everything expected of you is still in front of you. It won’t be easy; this week is a trip to KC and the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
Bengals (0-1) @ Chiefs (1-0)
Kickoff – 4:25p – CBS
Line – Bengals +6 and O/u 48.5
Series – Bengals 18-16
Last meeting – Chiefs 17-25 December 31, 2023 @ Kansas City, MO
Higgins “confused” by accusations he’s faking injury
Speaking to ESPN this week, Higgins made it clear that he wants to be on the field and that the hamstring injury that kept him out of last week’s loss to the Patriots isn’t related to his contract status.
"I just don't understand why fans think I'm faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over," Higgins told ESPN. "I just don't understand why they think I'm faking an injury. It doesn't make sense to me."
The “deadline” Higgins was speaking of is the July 15 deadline for teams and players under the Franchise Tag to negotiate a long-term deal, with that deadline passed, the sides can’t negotiate again until after the end of the regular season.
Poking the bear?
Coaches seem to live in mortal fear of giving the other team anything resembling bulletin board material, this week, the Bengals players gave the Chiefs a double dose of it.
On Wednesday, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt didn’t pull any punches when asked about Chiefs’ rookie receiver Xavier Worthy. "Speed, that's about it," Taylor-Britt told reporters. "He can run straight -- run jet sweeps and just run straight. He can't do too much else, so that's about it."
Maybe not the best thing to say when said receiver is coached by Andy Reid and catches passes from Patrick Mahomes, just sayin’.
Then, on Thursday, Ja’Marr Chase was speaking with reporters and let slip this gem -
"Everybody knows that," Chase said. "There's not no 'if', we are the team to beat in the AFC, and we know it, and we've got to act like it. We've got to play like it too."
Bold words, but if the Bengals can leave Missouri Sunday night with a win, that would be a huge statement win and put the rest of the NFL on notice, let’s hope this doesn’t light a fire under Kansas City.
Bits and Baubles
Bengals – Despite losing the last two meetings with the Chiefs, the Bengals won the previous three, including the 2022 AFC Championship game, all in the 2022 calendar year. Ja’Marr Chase hauled in passes totaling 266 yards, setting an NFL rookie and Bengals record.
Chiefs – Chiefs HC Andy Reid is 4-6-1 against the Bengals, one of only four teams he has a losing record against (Packers, Patriots, and Cardinals). Travis Kelce needs seven catches to pass Tony Gonzalez as the Chiefs franchise leader. Patrick Mahomes passed Len Dawson as the Chiefs most prolific passer last week with 28,715 yards.
Injury report
Bengals
Kris Jenkins – DT – OUT (Thumb)
Amarius Mims – OT – Doubtful (Pectoral)
Tee Higgins – WR – Doubtful (Hamstring)
Tanner Hudson – TE – Doubtful (Knee)
Chiefs
Hollywood Brown – WR – OUT-IR (Shoulder)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB – OUT (Illness)
Fantasy advice
If you play fantasy football, you know how streaky players like Xavier Worthy can be and while he’s going to have those 2 catches for 15 yard weeks, he’s also going to have three touch, two TD weeks like he did in the opener. I think he’s worthy of a FLEX spot this Sunday.
For the second week in a row, keep an eye out in the pregame for Tee Higgins’ status, given the injury (hamstring), I think it’s likely the Bengals let him get 100% healthy rather than chance him reinjuring himself and being lost for the season.
Prediction
Chiefs 27-21
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