3 things for Bengals fans to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 17

2. How will Bengals’ defense fair against Chiefs’ offensive firepower?

Patrick Mahomes will make throws in this game that will leave you wondering how it what even possible, but that’s just Mahomes.

He’s a lot to handle in his own right, but now the Bengals will also have to worry about Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (if healthy), Byron Pringle, and Darryl Williams. Kelce is the most concerning because of how the Bengals have played against elite tight ends this year.

George Kittle went for over 150 yards and a touchdown vs. Cincy, Mark Andrews had his way and scored last week, and Darren Waller had the best game out of all of the Raiders receivers when facing the stripes.

Now, pair that with Hill, who the Bengals have to worry about and who can take the top off the defense if they are not careful. It leaves me a little wary of how this Cincinnati defense will match up against the Chiefs offense.

The best option would be to match up Jessie Bates with Kelce all game and throw in a share of double teams with either Markus Bailey or another linebacker.

Chidobe Awuzie should have the right to cover Tyreek Hill, but Cincinnati should potentially leave another man deep if Awuzie gets beat over the top, which could lead to a double team on the Chiefs’ electric receiver.

Eli Apple will likely be guarding Pringle one on one most of the game, but obviously, Cincinnati will switch up looks and disguise players so they can see everyone moving around. I’d expect Apple on Pringle for most of the game who had a lot of success against the Steelers last week.