The marquee matchup of Week 2 in the NFL takes place at Arrowhead Stadium, as the Cincinnati Bengals face off against the Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Airing on CBS with Tony Romo and Jim Nantz on the call, this game is a rematch of two AFC powerhouses with recent playoff history. 

The Bengals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, while the Chiefs, fresh off a thrilling season opener, aim to keep the momentum rolling as they pursue a third straight Super Bowl title.

Bengals Start Slow in Week 1

Week 1 did not go as expected for the Bengals. Hosting the Patriots, Cincinnati seemed poised for a comfortable victory but stumbled in a surprising 16-10 loss. A series of miscues, including red-zone fumbles and special teams mistakes, haunted the Bengals throughout the game. Joe Burrow suffered a wrist injury last season and couldn’t find a rhythm with a depleted receiving corps. Tyler Boyd is no longer a Bengal, Tee Higgins was sidelined due to a hamstring issue, and contract distractions involving Ja’Marr Chase loomed over the week.

The Bengals’ offensive line struggled to open up the running game, and their defense surrendered 170 rushing yards to the Patriots. The loss dropped Cincinnati to 6-6 in September games under Burrow, with a recurring theme of sluggish starts early in the season. However, despite the loss, there’s little reason for long-term panic. Burrow and the Bengals have historically rebounded, but they’ll need to get things clicking fast if they want to manage expectations.

Chiefs Look Sharp in Season Opener

The Kansas City Chiefs began their title defense with a bang, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 27-20 in a thrilling opener. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, showcased their typical high-powered offense. First-round pick Xavier Worthy looked like a swiss-army knife, dazzling with his speed and versatility, scoring both on the ground and through the air.

Kansas City’s defense also made its presence felt. Chris Jones and Leo Chenal wreaked havoc on Baltimore’s offensive line, and the Chiefs showed that even with some key departures in the secondary, they can still make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. This team has the weapons and depth on both sides of the ball to give Cincinnati all it can handle on Sunday.

Key Matchups to Watch

One of the most exciting aspects of this matchup will be the battle between the Bengals’ secondary and the Chiefs’ dynamic wide receiver corps. Xavier Worthy’s breakout performance in Week 1 immediately made him a focal point for defensive coordinators, and if Marquise “Hollywood” Brown returns for Week 2, Kansas City could feature one of the fastest receiver tandems in the league. 

The Bengals’ defense will try to contain these speedsters, especially with Mahomes’ ability to extend plays and exploit mismatches down the field. And you can’t forget about the Chiefs’ ground game with one of the league’s most determined ball carriers in Isiah Pacheco, who will be savoring the chance to run against this Bengals run defense. 

Another critical factor will be Cincinnati’s ability to protect Burrow and re-establish its offensive identity. The Bengals’ offensive line will need to step up against Kansas City’s pass rush, led by Jones, and Burrow must rely on his playmakers – especially if Higgins returns and Chase has his contract situation resolved. If Cincinnati can fix the mental errors from Week 1 and look promising with their pass protection, we could see a much more explosive offense compared to their Week 1 struggles.

Rest Advantage for the Chiefs

The Chiefs will also have an extra advantage heading into this game, having played on Thursday Night Football in Week 1, giving them additional days of rest and preparation. Not only are they well-rested, but they also don’t have to leave home, with the game being played in the comfort of Arrowhead Stadium. Meanwhile, the Bengals have a shorter turnaround, coming off a physical and emotional loss, and now facing the daunting challenge of playing in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.

Bengals vs Chiefs pick

Expect a close game that could go down to the wire, with both teams showcasing their offensive talent. While the Bengals will likely look much sharper offensively in Week 2, the Chiefs’ home-field advantage and extra rest might just give them the edge. Look for Kansas City to win an exciting and close game. The Bengals should keep this within a touchdown, but I expect the Chiefs to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Our Pick: Kansas City to win by less than 7 points