Tag: AFC Championship

Cincinnati Bengals inactive players vs. Kansas City Chiefs in AFC championship

Bengals announce inactives for AFC title game vs. Chiefs.

[mm-video type=video id=01fth2cke2cntx69576f playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fth2cke2cntx69576f/01fth2cke2cntx69576f-72d49600a96b79e1b7978b40d59444b3.jpg]

The Cincinnati Bengals have kept the streak of mostly good health alive going to the AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before kickoff, the Bengals announced the following inactives:

  • DE Cam Sample
  • DT Josh Tupou
  • CB Vernon Hargreaves
  • WR Stanley Morgan
  • WR Trenton Irwin
  • HB Trayveon Williams
  • OL Fred Johnson

No great shockers there. On the final injury report, wideout Stanley Morgan was one of two players listed as doubtful (the other DE Cam Sample), which is a pretty big loss on special teams.

Josh Tupou was questionable going into the game, so they’ll miss his presence as depth. But the team had made roster moves to cover both of these issues already.

[listicle id=52452]

Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Chiefs in AFC championship

Can the Bengals keep the streak and advance to the Super Bowl?

[mm-video type=video id=01fth2cke2cntx69576f playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fth2cke2cntx69576f/01fth2cke2cntx69576f-72d49600a96b79e1b7978b40d59444b3.jpg]

As it should be, the AFC championship between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs looks like one of the hardest games of the year to predict.

And it might be the most difficult Bengals game to predict in 10-plus years.

Thank the quarterbacks. Joe Burrow needed one play to get his team in field goal range to win in the divisional round against Tennessee. Patrick Mahomes, already a Super Bowl winner, made clutch play after clutch play in mere seconds to beat Buffalo in overtime.

One could say we’ve seen this story before, of course. These teams met in Week 17, a 34-31 Bengals win in Cincinnati in which Burrow threw for 446 yards and four scores despite endless pressure from Chris Jones and Co. while Ja’Marr Chase went off for 266 yards and three scores.

But the rematch in the AFC title game goes down in Kansas City and the Chiefs will undoubtedly make adjustments. The Cincinnati defense showed it can hold the Chiefs to just three points in the second half, but it’s probably unlikely it holds Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to less than 40 yards apiece, right?

The blueprint, at least, is there — the Chiefs are going to try to limit Bengals wideouts and probably won’t blitz as much, so it’ll be on Chase to light up the intermediate game and break those tackles again. Mahomes also struggled against Cincinnati’s two-high looks, so if they can come up with key breakups on would-be explosive plays down the field, it means more chances for Burrow to get or extend the lead.

Two overall factors will decide this game:

  • Burrow’s clock
  • Chase

We know the Chiefs defensive line should feast. Burrow held the ball too long last week and got sacked nine times. If he’s firing it off faster, they’re probably moving down the field often. If they’re ready for the big time, the loud noise last week in Tennessee was just prep for the bigger beast that is Arrowhead Stadium, too, so line communication issues should have less of an impact.

Chase is a big part of that. And it’s really what makes a brutally difficult prediction much easier — the Chiefs don’t have anyone who can stop him. If the Chiefs blitz, somebody will be in single coverage. If they don’t, Chase might beat their coverage anyway because to be blunt, the Tennessee defense was more of a matchup nightmare for the Bengals offense.

And for as much as the Chiefs Big 3 gets attention (they should, as future Hall of Famers), the Bengals have one too. Tee Higgins can do major damage. Tyler Boyd can nickel and dime any defense down the field.

In a quarterback-driven league, the Bengals have the ammo necessary to win any game, including this one. With the Chiefs defense so exploitable through the air, it’s not as concerning the Bengals offense hasn’t looked elite over two playoff games. This is a better matchup for the passing attack and frankly, one or two key defensive stops and big plays by Chase will swing it.

Prediction: Bengals 33, Chiefs 31

[listicle id=52452]

Bengals vs. Chiefs preview: 5 burning questions for AFC championship

A close look at the Bengals vs. Chiefs AFC title game.

They meet again — this time the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs do battle in the AFC championship with a spot in the Super Bowl on the line.

First time out, a Week 17 encounter, the Bengals got the best of the Chiefs late during a game that took place in Cincinnati. Sunday’s conference title game goes down in Kansas City, though, and both teams have been on fire.

To get a better look at the big-time matchup, we sat down with Chiefs Wire managing editor Charles Goldman.

 

Bengals make roster moves before AFC championship vs. Chiefs

Two roster moves before the Bengals play the Chiefs in the AFC championship.

[mm-video type=video id=01fth2cke2cntx69576f playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fth2cke2cntx69576f/01fth2cke2cntx69576f-72d49600a96b79e1b7978b40d59444b3.jpg]

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a few housekeeping moves before the AFC championship against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Cincinnati announced it elevated the following players:

  • DT Damion Square
  • WR Trent Taylor

It’s not an insignificant bit of news for the Bengals after the team issued its final injury report of the week. There, both wideout Stanley Morgan (Doubtful) and defensive tackle Josh Tupou (Questionable) were listed as iffy to play.

Taylor comes in as extra help on special teams, while Square — a veteran signed to the practice squad — comes up to add depth behind Tupou’s spot. The team opted to elevate him instead of Mike Daniels, despite Daniels practicing this week.

Interestingly, Square could make some NFL history — he played against the Bengals in the wild card round as a member of the Raiders…now he’s playing for the Bengals.

[listicle id=52452]

Bengals vs. Chiefs: 4 things to watch and a prediction in AFC championship

Some details to know and a prediction for Bengals vs. Chiefs.

All that stands between the Cincinnati Bengals and a trip to the Super Bowl is a game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

No easy task, of course. But the Bengals have spent the season exceeding expectations and crushing past demons, so it’s understandable that Joe Burrow and Co. have plenty of confidence going into the game.

Sunday’s showdown is a rematch of a Week 17 classic in Cincinnati, where the Bengals got a late win that helped them secure the AFC North.

Before Round 2 kicks off, let’s take a look at some important things to know and throw out a prediction.

Joe Burrow quote about crowd noise from October has folks riled up before AFC title game

An old Joe Burrow quote is causing quite the ruckus.

[mm-video type=video id=01fth2cke2cntx69576f playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fth2cke2cntx69576f/01fth2cke2cntx69576f-72d49600a96b79e1b7978b40d59444b3.jpg]

Back in October, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made a comment about crowd noise in Baltimore, comparing it to SEC stadiums.

And folks about to watch him take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at Arrowhead Stadium are not happy about it.

After that 41-17 whipping of the Ravens on the road, Burrow told NBC Sports’ Peter King the following: “We knew that they were gonna be jacked up for us to come in, and expecting to beat our ass. But we were ready for it. Playing in the SEC definitely, definitely helped. Gets way louder in the SEC than in any of these NFL stadiums.”

For whatever reason, former pro kicker Lawrence Tynes grabbed a clip of the quote on January 24 and helped it go viral:

Of course, anytime somebody says something is “not up for debate” it totally is. Arrowhead might get louder than SEC stadiums. But those SEC Statidums can sometimes hold 30,000 more people. Who knows?

Either way, Bengals players are rolling their eyes at how much of a storm this has kicked up:

And Tyler Boyd, via ESPN’s Ben Baby: “I think a lot of the guys, and specifically Joe, is ready for that because guys like him and (Ja’Marr) Chase and guys who played in the SEC played against opponents where it was hundreds of thousands of fans in the stadium.”

And Zac Taylor, via Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News: “We’ve played in really loud environments before. I know this will be a different situation, and with that brings a different ramp up of crowd noise. We’ve been in the stadium. We’ve used our stadium speakers. I think it’s been really effective and allowed us to get good quality work and stress our communication so that we’ll be ready on Sunday.”

Bottom line? The outside noise (get it?) about this is pretty silly. The Bengals are confident in their prep, which included security guards apologizing to passersby during loud practices this week. They went 5-3 on the road this year and were the only undefeated team against AFC playoff teams. They went into Tennessee and won last week and hope to do so again, regardless of crowd noise or old quotes (or old pictures of Joe Burrow in a Chiefs helmet).

[listicle id=52300]

NFL Prop Bets Payday: Conference championships player prop picks and predictions

Analyzing the top NFL player prop bets for the Conference championships, with picks and predictions for the most intriguing individual player props.

The field of teams in Super Bowl LVI contention has been whittled down to four and each has a legitimate reason to believe they’re going to hoist the Lombardi Trophy Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. For that to happen, star players are going to have to step up and be heard from. Below, we look at 5 NFL player prop bets for Championship Week and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

See conference championships:

Championship Week prop bet picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:28 a.m. ET.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase OVER 85.5 receiving yards (-114)

The Bengals know that the Chiefs aren’t going to shoot themselves in the foot as often as they did earlier in the month when the Bengals beat the Chiefs in Cincinnati. Chase had one of the biggest games in NFL history in that win, catching 11 passes for 266 yards and 3 touchdowns. Considering this 85.5 number, while high, it’s one-third of his previous production. He posted those huge numbers for a reason – Kansas City is beat up in the secondary and it wasn’t great when it was fully healthy. The Chiefs will likely try to double Chase when possible, but it won’t be something they can do all day. One big catch by Chase for 30 or more yards will likely be all that is needed to hit the Over because he will get his opportunities, especially if the Bengals fall behind early.

PLAY: Try our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win. Play now!

Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill OVER 79.5 receiving yards (-114)

Hill is always one of my favorite players to take the Over on because of his insane explosiveness. If he gets free over the middle or deep down the sidelines, he is capable of hitting this number with only two or three receptions. In the first meeting, Hill was consistently doubled. Head coach Andy Reid is known for making adjustments and the Chiefs will get their downfield shots to their speedy star receiver. Even a bubble screen can be a “take it to the house” moment for Hill, so hitting 80 yards in the most important game of the season should be a minimum expectation for Kansas City’s most dangerous playmaker.

San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle UNDER 4.5 receptions (+107)

This is a tough one because Kittle is a mismatch waiting to happen. The Rams are coming into this NFC title game with two defensive goals in mind – having CB Jalen Ramsey shadow 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (even in the slot) and squeeze coverage on Kittle. The 49ers tight end has done a lot of damage in his career against the Rams, primarily because he has been single-covered. Catching 5 passes in a game is routine for Kittle, but QB Jimmy Garoppolo would be ill-advised to force passes into double coverage and Kittle will be seeing his share of that. In an ideal world for the 49ers, they only throw 25 passes and complete about 15 to 17. If you look at it from that perspective, 5 passes going to Kittle is asking a lot.

Los Angeles Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. OVER 55.5 receiving yards (-114)

At midseason it seemed like OBJ was going to be a reclamation project. He had complained his way out of Cleveland and was a free agent in November. His first game with the Rams was against the 49ers and he was used sparingly. In the season finale, it was the same thing. But once in the postseason, he has become a favorite target of QB Matthew Stafford. With WR Cooper Kupp demanding safety help, OBJ has enjoyed a Renaissance of sorts. On three drives against Tampa Bay, Beckham was the target of quick-hitter passes to get the drive started. He’s averaging 5 catches a game in the playoffs and, if he catches 5 against the 49ers, it will be hard to keep him Under 55.5 yards.

San Francisco 49ers RB Elijah Mitchell scores a touchdown (+115)

The “anytime touchdown” prop bet is one of the unsung bets someone can make. You typically have a good idea who is most likely to score a TD and often you can get return of more than your original wager. At their core, the 49ers are a power run team. Points will be at a premium against the Rams and, while Samuel has been stealing Mitchell’s thunder in the red zone as a rusher, Mitchell has a very good number for a featured back on a run-first team. Samuel is starting to show signs of being beaten up as a runner who has played his career as a wide receiver. The 49ers are likely going to play this one tight to the vest and, if they get inside the 5-yard line, will be more likely to use Mitchell as their drive-closer.

More NFL Championship coverage:

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | WashingtonFootballWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | TheListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship odds and lines, with expert NFL picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cincinnati Bengals (12-7) visit the Kansas City Chiefs (14-5) Sunday for the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (on CBS). Below, we look at the Bengals vs. Chiefs odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.

The Bengals have grinded out a pair of low-scoring playoff wins. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders at home in a Wild Card matchup 26-19 before going on the road to upset the AFC’s top-seeded Tennessee Titans 19-16 in the Divisional Round. The Bengals are 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in the postseason, with the Under cashing in both outings.

The Chiefs have used offense to power past their foes, doubling up the Pittsburgh Steelers 42-21 in a home Wild Card tilt before outlasting the Buffalo Bills in a classic 42-36 Divisional Round overtime thriller. The Chiefs are also 2-0 ATS in the postseason, with the Over hitting in each game.

See also: 49ers at Rams NFC Championship odds, picks and prediction

Bengals at Chiefs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:06 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bengals +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Chiefs -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Bengals +7.5 (-115) | Chiefs -7.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

PLAY: Try our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win. Play now!

Bengals at Chiefs key injuries

Bengals

  • DL Josh Tupou (knee) questionable

Chiefs

  • S Tyrann Mathieu (concussion) questionable
  • RB Darrel Williams (toe) questionable

Let’s Make This Interesting

Place your legal sports bets online in New Jersey and Colorado with Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader. Iowa, get ready, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Bengals at Chiefs odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Chiefs 31, Bengals 26

Money line

AVOID.

Kansas City (-340) will cost 3.4 times your potential return. That’s just too risky for such a small amount of winnings, especially in a potentially close game.

More NFL Championship coverage:

Against the spread

CINCINNATI +7.5 (-115) is a strong play, even with a little extra juice as long as the number stays above 7 and a hook.

I’m not as big of a fan of this number if it’s a flat 7, although the Bengals are playing well enough in these playoffs to take those points.

The Bengals have the offensive skill position players to not only hang with QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, but potentially win this one outright if the home team were to make any mistakes.

Over/Under

The OVER 54.5 (-108) is the best play on the board in this early game on Championship Week.

These teams just played in the Queen City in Week 17 with QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals outlasting the high-octane Chiefs 34-31. A change of venue might change the overall winner, but there still will be plenty of offense regardless of where they play this game.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | WashingtonFootballWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | TheListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]

Fantasy football injury report: Conference Championships

Latest status of fantasy football-relevant players who are on the mend entering the Conference Championships.

This is a team-by-team review of any key fantasy football player injury news after this week’s practice activity and team statements. Only those players listed on the team’s official injury report will be addressed, unless the situation warrants further attention.

PLEASE NOTE: The NFL releases their final official injury report late on Friday (after 5:00 p.m. ET). Teams on the West Coast often report their injuries late and may not be included in the initial publication.

Conference Championships fantasy football injury report

This week’s key game-time decisions: RB Darrel Williams (toe), LT Trent Williams, RB Jeff Wilson Jr.

CINCINNATI BENGALS
QB Joe Burrow (knee) and WR Tee Higgins (thumb) fully practiced all week and avoided designations.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) fully practiced all week and is not on the report. RB Darrel Williams (toe) went full-limited-limited Wednesday-Thursday-Friday and is questionable. WR Tyreek Hill (heel) and WR Mecole Hardman (hip) was a full participant all week and have no label. S Tyrann Mathieu (concussion) is questionable but fully practiced Thursday and Friday.

LOS ANGELES RAMS 
LT Andrew Whitworth (knee) should return to the starting lineup after fully working the final two practice days. He has no designation, but his backup, OT Joe Noteboom (chest), is doubtful. S Taylor Rapp (concussion) is questionable after being limited all week. WR Van Jefferson (knee) was limited Thursday and Friday, earning himself a questionable designation.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (right thumb) and RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) fully practiced Thursday and Friday. LT Trent Williams (ankle) didn’t participate all week and is a game-time decision. RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (ankle) is questionable, too, and also will be a GTD after being no better than limited Friday.

Bengals issue final injury report for AFC championship vs. Chiefs

Here’s the final injury report for Bengals vs. Chiefs in the AFC championship.

[mm-video type=video id=01fsj3snrvrhb2qp9av1 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fsj3snrvrhb2qp9av1/01fsj3snrvrhb2qp9av1-00a06db9d1679b1849a98b8f35394df7.jpg]

The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t offer much in the way of surprises on the final injury report before Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Those Bengals made the following designations on the final injury report:

  • WR Stanley Morgan (Doubtful)
  • DE Cam Sample (Doubtful)
  • DT Josh Tupou (Questionable)

Morgan is a big loss on special teams, while the rookie Sample was getting rotational looks as a pass-rusher. Tupou could be the most significant given his ability to fill in against the run

As a reminder, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins being on the first two injury reports as full participants made for catchy headlines but were mere formalities.

Overall, though, the Bengals could be in much worse shape for such an important game.

[listicle id=52300]